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Cadillac Catera: What exactly was wrong with them?

GM Guy

GM Guy

Manual Trans. 2WD Enthusiast
Messages
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Location
NW Kansas and SC Idaho
hey guys,

I would like the down low on cadillac cateras. my one teacher has one (97 model), and it is getting scum in the oil. I am sure it is head gaskets, as I do remember hearing that they are an issue.

what else is an issue on these? I heard something with timing belts, and a recall was mentioned as well, just need the puzzle of unreliability completed for me.

I am just interested in it, as the platform looks promising, and well built (have you seen the rear trans. crossmembers on these?!? forged steel!) more oil is taken during an oil change than our 350 chevy also, and of course lets not forget rear wheel drive.

she has a quote of 3 grand parts and labor for head gaskets (and possibly other issues I am not aware of, she just knows the figure for fix it bill, not mechanically inclined at all, so there might be more to it)
 
All aluminum engine with cylinder sleeves that have o rings...

So in addition to oil cooler leaking, heads and blocks cracking, you have orings to check!

I would start with air pressure in the spark plug holes and check coolant for bubbles.

Also they are not made in the USA but imported from Germany. In other words not the usual 'stupid simple' GM to work on.
 
her theory is drive it till it dies, therefore, since she got my ass out of a few classes I hated and subed in some others, I feel I owe her a car service, so we might try some gm seal tabs to get by. it is getting a little scum in the valve covers, but it isnt drinking it too fast. (gallon every two-three months or so) they arent too good with vehicles, so maintenence wasnt done on a consistant basis. unless it is really cheap, I think I will probably stay away, as I cant get enough projects completed (or started) anyhow.
 
RE: "what was"

dunno about the older ones...but they (Catera's )are still being made...and they have been greatly refined...

CTS= Catera Touring sedan
as does
STS=Seville Touring Sedan
and
DTS=Deville Touring Sedan
 
I was meaning the 97-01 imported 4 door sedan based on the Opel. not the 02-current one built here in the states.
 
Price a rebuilt engine for it. This may total the car. So drive it till it dies may be a bad idea as coolant ruins bearings quickly.
 
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