I tried to buy one off my neighbor for over ten years while it sat in his driveway just needing a carburetor. He finally sold it to me in 2017 for $500. I got it going then started delivering pizzas for Domino's. Was the most popular delivery in town. Mine was an 82 with a 307 V8 50,000 original miles. Built like a tank.
they didnt have a carburetor , they were fuel injected ! I had a 4.3 litre in my "79 cutlass and had to replace the head gaskets 3 times I finally gave it back to the dealership those diesels are NOT true diesels they are converted gas V8s with no upgrades to the heads or head gaskets . Good job GM !
@@richardr2238The heads were diesel specific. Its not the "gas motor swapped to diesel" that was the problem, it was the lack of a fuel/water separator. Nissan built a VERY SUCCESSFUL diesel which was based off a gasoline engine, called the LD28. Most were used in marine applications but Nissan also used them in many cars and trucks throughout the 80s and 90s as well. Mostly overseas but the US market got it in the 1st generation Nissan Maxima (rwd ones). The engines were so similar that you can literally swap the diesel crank into a gas block to make a stroker motor.
Have owned 5 of these diesels thru the years. #1 issue is factory head bolt breaking causing leak on head gasket. ARP sells head stud kit for this engine that will not break. If your head gasket is not leaking I would highly recommend taking out the GM head bolts and replacing with ARP studs. It can be done without taking engine apart, you don,t even need to drain the coolant. Just replace one at a time in the torquing sequence. I have done 3 engines like this and driven many miles with no issue. Thanks for video!
Previous owner did have a head bolt break and had bubbles in the coolant overflow tank, he said he replaced that one bolt and that stopped the bubbles, planning to do the ARP heads this winter and probably new head gaskets as well. Thanks!
If this car wasn't so nice and original (even though it's salvage title, wrecked in the rear in the 80s) I wouldn't mind doing some crazy stuff to it, but I feel this car needs to be preserved as is.
I worked at an Oldsmobile dealership behind the parts counter in the 80s. These diesel's were constantly in for warranty repairs. One day 12 of these were in at the same time. The owners wanted to kill the salesman who came into work but was advised by management to take the day off. That was a crazy Monday !!
I worked for Olds back in 82. There were two of us that only worked on the diesels and it was engine swap city because of all the complainers. The problem with the early diesel were most mechanics were totally ignorant of them along with the owners. You can not operate and maintain a diesel like a car engine. 2 and 3 mile daily trips killed them.
I had an 83 toronado diesel. Zero issues with engine only problem i had was the injection pump i had rebuilt at around 80,000 miles. Super nice car enjoy.
As a former Oldsmobile mechanic I worked on these. They are good cars that got a bad rap due to people not knowing much about diesels at the time. I would disconnect the EGR valve your oil will stay cleaner. P.S. still have parts and dealer tools.
Yup, disconnect egr or use early model crossover with out egr. Wire the exhaust back pressure valve open. Install a real oil cooler-not the oil heater the factor has and find a tach and time and set the pump timing. I preferred the 6.5 "clum "relay instead of the glow plug controller that came with the 5.7.
1 small tip with these old school indirect injection Diesel engines,make sure your glow plugs are 100% and the system works like intended. It's vital on these engines for firering up on all cilinders with minimal smoke. When it's cold outside,wait an aditional 5 seconds when the glow light goes out. The system still glows and the plugs get much hotter in those couple seconds after the light went already out. Enjoy your cruiser. It's a real gem
I had one in the 90's never turned it off, let run like a rig, you have to get it serviced if you have a lotta smoke coming out the exhaust only problem with these the belt bracket bolts with pop& break if they are loose or not torqued right
I knew a man that was a diesel mechanic His whole life.He was still wrenching at 85 and commuting to work 40 miles both ways.He had been a field rep rep for international harvester for 16 years.He was the guy that got the harvest machinery going when the dealer couldnt.He taught diesel at two colleges.Lots of donated olds diesels.His 82 olds wagon came to my home.I had never found one that sounded that good.I had been around a few of them.That car got 26 mpg all the time.He bought the car for 300 blown engine. He built an engine.He said I wired up the glow plugs so they got much hotter for start up.He told me a combination that worked one year of block another year rotating assy.Also a mix of other parts.He got to try all this at the college.They even had a chassis dyno.So beautiful running reliable car.
I love that you are putting in the effort. I’ve always heard about those engines but I’ve never had the chance to see one in person. Watching your video makes me want one for my own! Keep up the good work and preserve a piece of automotive history.
Thanks! I only remember ever seeing one of them in my entire life probably 25 years ago or so, my aunt had one and I remember it sitting in her driveway with gelled fuel in the winter so it wouldn't run 😂. I just think they are cool because you just don't see them at all anymore, I want to keep this one alive and well for years to come.
My grandpa had one and he said it used to freeze. Now I don't know if he ever used a block heater. But when my uncle got out of automotive trade school, he converted it to gas. They had it another 10 years until it rusted away. A 98 and Delta 88 are the cars of my childhood. So nice to see one running
Beautiful. I had a 1980s Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon with the diesel engine. I bought it running rough in 1986. I had a diesel truck mechanic rebuild the fuel injection pump and then it ran great -- for about 15,000 miles then it started running rough again. It quit running entirely when I was 400 miles from home. I just junked it. In retrospect I think I could have prevented the problems if I had put a water separation filter in the fuel line. We didn't have the Internet then so learning these kinds of things was difficult.
To die for!!! I have the same car, same year, but mine is burgundy on burgundy...great video!! I'm glad you got the car...99.99% chance if you didn't, it'd of been in the scrap yard in a year or so....
Man, that car being a diesel makes it the definition of a survivor! My dad had an 81 Cutlass diesel back in the first half of the 90s that he eventually swapped with a 403 out of his moms custom cruiser
Awesome and rare car! I would love to see a driving video of this beauty. Thanks for sharing this as I've never seen a diesel Oldsmobile In person. So cool!!
Hoping for the first "real" test drive next week if I have time. I need to get some tires for it and check a few more things then it will be time for a drive!
I was about 7 years old when this car was brand new, and I remember these 98 Regency and Delta 88 diesels being all over the place. I've always absolutely *loved* the Regencys. This car is a time capsule!
Those Oldsmobiles and Buicks were some sweet rides. I had a 1985 Buick LeSabre Limited Colectors Edition 4 door. Sitting in that car was like sitting on your living room sofa. It just glided over the road. It handled like a dream. It had the upgraded button tufted seats, all the bells and wishes. Its a shame they don't build cars like that anymore. It also had the 307 Oldsmobile 4 barrel V8. I remember when the starter went bad, the auto parts store insisted it had a 305 Chevrolet engine. The 307 must have been the standard engine for the Oldsmobile and Buicks, because a co-worker had a 83 Electra 224 and his car had the 307.
I remember my parents buying a 81 tornado diesel brand new from the showroom. within the first year they sold it taking a big loss. But your 's is absolutely beautiful. I feel you'll be fighting it the rest of your life.. but that might be just what your looking to do. But I'm very impressed with the work you have done... Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you! I am definitely a sucker when it comes to working on cars that are thrown out by most people 😂 I plan to make this car very reliable, but it won't be a daily driver anyway, just a nice weather summer cruiser.
I love those 98 they were great cars. I had a 1980 Olds 88 Diesel l I love the car but the rust just got to be to much after a while so I sold it and bought a 1981 impala Diesel but that car did not compare to the Olds less quality. I would love to own another one, They were great cars and very dependable.
Got an 83 Cadillac with this engine, trying to put the engine back together after some years. Appreciate the content! Also interesting how much this olds looks like the Cadillac inside. Thanks for sharing!
Hope you can get it running! Tons of great info on the Oldsmobile diesel groups on Facebook, I learned so much just in a few days of reading after I bought this!
@@BigMessGarage thank you! By any chance, have you come across any exploded views type diagrams of the engine and accessories that might be helpful in puzzling it back together? The pictures I took when taking it apart whent MIA 😔
Man, how I love these Oldsmobile Diesels. Imported an Olds Custom Cruiser of the the same era back in the days, but unfortunetely it had a gas engine. And yes, please more content. Greating from Germany, Chris
Dad had a couple diesel cars, and him and I had a couple diesel trucks back in the day. He got over 300 thousand kms out of his truck. He never drove it very hard. Drove it year-round . I, being in my 20s, drove mine harder and blew the headgaskets a couple of times. A very rare beast nowadays.
My dad bought a new, 1980 Toronado diesel. He had very good luck with his; mainly because he had an Olds mechanic explain the necessary maintenance to keep it running properly.
Finally getting a chance to watch your videos. These cars don't have the fit and finish or general build quality of other makes but for the price and what we get these are good cars.
@@BigMessGarage American cars had issues during that era but I think the rear drive full size Olds was about the best American car during that era. If only they had made small cars of comparable quality.
@@BigMessGarage Water was from the "gas" stations that sold diesel. Use the truck island of a truck stop / They always have fresh fuel. Invest in a hydrometer so you cand check the specific gravity of the fuel. I have seen #1 sold in 100 degree weather .No good on pumps and injectors of those old engines except in extreme cold to keep from jelling.
I always loved the big cars. I had a 1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 84 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, 1987 Chevy Caprice Cop car to name a few. There's no better feeling then driving plush couch down the road floating on air!
The thought of converting this car to gas hurts my soul 😂 I don't think I could ever bring myself to do that! If I found another one though I could see it happening 🤔
this came back up on my youtube feed. thinking about this I realized that there were feed and a return fuel lines on the diesel. This helps make it a good candidate for an LS swap; you need both lines for that engine asaik. Put in a good trans and you'd have a good cruiser. I think that rear end had a 2:56 axle in it, maybe a 3:08, but either way a decent engine will still get decent economy. Having bought a new '80 Custom Cruiser diesel and going through the machinations of the dealer looking down his nose at me when I came in when it was new and under warranty, I would not spend any time or money chasing a dream that doesn't have a good future. I replaced my engine and trans at about 64,000 miles for a gas 350. It was OK, but not as good as my '75 or '77 Cutlasses with the 350 (gas of course).
Had a gmc pickup with one of those diesel engines. Had been replaced with a 350 olds rocket by the time i got it. Still had the hood ornament that said diesel. Lent it to a buddy of mine and he filled it up with diesel for me. Replaced the hood ornament with a mule after that
I had a 84 Cutlass with a 350 diesel, the motor blew up about 2 years after I bought it, not because of the motor or the way I was driving it, but because the lower radiator hose would suck itself shut when driving at normal speeds. but would open up when it was idling, it never dawned on me. I learned a valuable lesson with that car!!
Had a 1980 Toronado in 1985 that had an air leak cause stalling and hard starting. At least I could tell where it was from the fuel leakage in the pipe or hose. If fuel can leak out, air can get in.
Believe it or not, I have one of thes 5.7 Diesels in a 1932 Ford Roadster. It was built by Dick Magoo (famous for his quality hot rod builds in the 70s and 80s that were show quality and could be driven anywhere) He built it for a guy that owned a Diesel Trucking Company. He wanted to power the Roadster with the 5.7 Diesel out of his Oldsmobile. Dick was perplexed, but sent the engine out to have all of the GM issues beefed up. The Roaster has been to LA four times, Victoria, BC twice for Duece Days and once to Bonneville Salt Flats.
I was surprised to hear an electronic beeping sound for the seatbelt reminder when you started up this 1981 Oldsmobile Diesel. I thought all Oldsmobiles still used a scary buzzer until at least 1982.
We had a 1980 Ninety-Eight with the 5.7L diesel. The most chronic problem we encountered were the INTAKE valves always sticking open. Sounded terrible. I am guessing that we had the car in at least six times for that issue, over five years. Finally, the engine gave up the ghost after those five years. Dad put a gasser in it and it ran great for about 6 months....then the transmission caught fire. Dad traded it in for a Renault Alliance (another POS). Never did consult me....I was the mechanic in the family. I'd have told him to go get a Honda or Toyota at the time (mid '80s). Oh well.....he had $$$ to burn and he sure did.
Not many kept the Oldsmobile 350 Diesel V-8 when it had a major problem back in the day. It was common to swap in a gasoline Oldsmobile V-8. I knew someone who killed their Oldsmobile 350 Diesel V-8 by filling the tank with unleaded gasoline on accident.
I love it! I remember the Olds diesels really well. Nice job fixing the injector pump. Definitely sort out the fuel lines/tank. Does it have a water separator installed ? Surprised the old diesel fuel is still good. Since that the head bolt broke and there was bubbling in the coolant, I think I would want to upgrade them all and change the headgaskets - there is an aftermarket kit to do so. What did he do with the NOS replacement diesel engine? Yes, more videos please. Love 98's and all GM diesels. What block is it? the DX ?
I bought the car and the NOS engine for $950! He was restoring a '69 GTO so this just wasn't important and his wife was on him to get rid of it so he could focus on one thing. Planning on head studs and new gaskets as well. I have a couple more videos up after this one showing the fuel tank removal and running after, check them out!
@@BigMessGarage OMG! What a deal! That Olds' is a great car, those velour interiors they used on the Old's back then wear like iron - that interior looks new. Too bad the body was wrecked at one point - but yes, agree, it does seem it was repaired well. I would love to see more videos of your restoration work - fuel line tank, diesel engine, any upgrades (bolts, gasket replacement)etc.
@@groovy1937 definitely check out the other ones I posted and keep an eye out for more as I go along! Different wheels and tires coming, paint correction, new shocks etc. At some point the engine will come out and get cleaned up and the engine bay cleaned up as well. Plenty more work to come!
Love the 80 and Up 350 Olds Diesel, they made Many improvements over the 1st generation, and were pretty reliable motors by that point, and got GREAT Gas mileage too..,
Haha I did, commented and then saw the video... Great autumn colours even if a bit early! Now I also want one (I live in Australia, but who knows) @@BigMessGarage
Don’t know much about these. My Dad was a car salesman in the 1980’s. Car salesman could take any unsold used car in the lot home as part of their compensation back then. He said during those days (the economy wasn’t great), the sales team would simply take home any car that had gas in the tank. When that didn’t work, they’d take home the diesels. He took home an early 80’s Olds Toronado diesel daily for months (I guess it wouldn’t sell) Occasionally (since it was a Datsun dealer) he brought home Maxima Diesels. They were very nice cars.
Great video so cool you are getting one of these going again. Diesel for whatever reason just never got beyond trucks commercial and passenger in the US. From what I gather these diesels really didn't have much that needed changed to be a pretty solid motor. One was the water separator and the other the head bolts. Both easily fixable by the manufacturer. They have 15 excuses ready for any issue electric cars have before the problems even happen. If these got 1/100th of the gimmies electrics are getting they would have been able to get to market what they wanted to. That being said diesel cars never took off here in US cars even by companies who had been selling diesel cars for decades. So no matter what they did it's hard to believe customers here would have bought them purely because it was made by GM and not imported.
Agreed and I always thought it was odd how so many here seem to be against diesels for so many years. Now though with the modern emissions systems they have and how expensive and problematic they can be I can see why people would want to avoid them!
On your next video have it all fixed with the really ruff engine idle absolutely gone. The original owner didn’t even try to take it to 4 fix it shops or dump booko dollars to have someone else do the work. The original owner did not do any justice for that car. A steering wheel cover would conceal the crack. The trunk is filthy. Needs to be vacuumed and shampoo to make it show room mint like the inside of the car. The interior and undercarriage is amazing. All you need is a motor that purrs not runs on metal and a cleaned up trunk and you have yourself a nice Gem. Do they have Hall and Oats on A track? 😁
The 8-track player has a rubber belt, almost certainly it has crumbled. Replace it, spray a few drops of deoxidizer in the switches and pots and there's a fair chance it will play again. BTW, the moment you started that Diesel you reminded me of the wonderful quiet of my BMW I3.
The diesel has a wonderful noise to it haha! It certainly is not a car you can sneak around in that's for sure, sounds like an old school bus 😂 As for the radio, I found the antenna unplugged in the fender, I'll get to that one day, for now playing through the FM transmitter works great.
The car was totaled back in the early 80s and that was all replaced. Trunk lid, rear quarter and about 3/4 of the trunk floor pan. The parts that were put on were from a gas car.
After I graduated from college I interviewed at a company in Missouri that took the recalled gm diesel engines and rebuilt them and modified them to run gas to them be installed in motor homes. Rejected the job offer as I had made much more money as a part time mechanic. The company did not last long
@@delcorick9967 they did a fairly good job on the repair, up close looking under the car and in the wheel well you can see the repair pretty easily but it's nothing I would complain about.
That was last on NY, it's been in Michigan for a long time now. Last on the road here about 14 years ago now other than a few days ago and today I was able to get it out on the road.
I had one of these cars & a very nice ride it was but it wasn't a diesel. Thank God. Recommending that if it is a diesel powered car, that it be swapped out for a gas 350/350 turboflite trans. You be glad you did it. Will last indefinitely if treated right.
I read somewhere GM made a limited run of Chevy Impala 2 doors with the 6.3L V8 diesels, back in 80 or 81, which were sold, for whatever reason, to the US Military only. I guess they had a different front end suspension for the weight. That engine was a bit more robust, and more plentiful, I wonder if that's an option for a swap? Should the 5.7 take a dump I mean.
the early 350 diesels were the unreliable ones, after they started building them with the better 350dx blocks they were just as reliable as a gas engine. but, they were still very underpowered which is the main reason people hated them. it would have been better if gm put them in the midsize cars rather than the fullsize ones.
I heard you can put a more improved crate GM diesel engine in these. Heard of someone who did just that and probably still has the car. These have become unplanned collectible cars, with GM building cars of all their brands with these engines and some V6s too. Also heard of some getting rebuilt with the correct parts needed to run with diesel fuel that are running really good. I'd love me one because of how unique these are.
Hmm... I wonder if the 6.2L/378" was a bolt-in option? AFAIK, they had virtually zero problems with THAT engine in the trucks, after learning the lessons of the 350/260.
Three speed for now, I have a 200-4R that I may swap in though. I could then change the rear end gears to something a bit more favorable for acceleration.
I knew several people who had these. A couple of them were ok and the others were disasters. Not trying to excuse GM but some of the problems were owner/driver related; they couldn't be treated like gasoline engines especially when cold. Fullsize American luxury with 25 mpg was pretty hard to pass up, too bad that GM didn't do a better job.
That diesel came out in late 79 and early 80.Those engines had a weak block and it would blow the crankshaft out the bottom.Worked on manny many of these diesels and also replaced them with gas engines if customer wanted to keep car.
OH by the way if the fuel line bleeds out after it sits the line has a hole it in, mine did that but the hole was in metal tube that come out or the tank so watch for that
It is really too bad GM did not manke the decision to use a Cummins 4BT diesel. A Cummins 4BT can goto 300+hp safe all day long. IMO , uf GM did this, they would have had a wicked car to sell.
Stud it and add a hairdryer or yank the head's and install some good 455 head's on it. Very desirable block. 4 bolt mains, and heavy webbing make indestructible.
It is though it has some oddities I found when checking the engine out to see if it was ok. One valve cover is Goodwrench 350 diesel, the other says Goodwrench 4.3 diesel. Definitely some weird stuff with the engine and someone has been messing with it at some point in their garage more than I was told.
My grandparents bought one new in 1980 and gave it to me in 1999 with 100k original everything, I spun a rod bearing and my biggest regret was letting that car go I rebuilt the engine with a diesel shop and it ran for awhile but sold it. I was young and dumb much love to my grandparents for many life lessons, some we learn later.
@@BigMessGarage no I don't think I could handle it emotionally if I ever see a one again with the gray interior gray exterior I would cry. At 43 I'm regretting the sale of all my vehicles I've owned but it's all just stuff that can be replaced with money
Did you by chance get the NOS engine with it? I hope so, if you can keep them cool they will last a long while. Also upgrade the cooling system as much as possible. Growing up my neighbor had several of them olds diesels and drove them all the time.
I did get the NOS engine as well, still has the paper tags on the injection lines and original oil filter on it, definitely has never been ran! Best part is I grabbed it all for only $950!
I used to own one of these in Denmark... They were used as cabs here, with all the disasters that followed... After rebuilding and updating the 5.7 to 1980 specs and adding a giant fuelfilter/waterseperator it ran forever.... If I could find one again I would replace the driveline with an MB OM642 coupled to a 722.6 5-speed autotrans.. Or even better an OM629 which is an 4 litre V8 CDI with trucktorque....
Back in the day people bought these diesels and ran to Mexico from San Diego to fuel up on .19 per gallon diesel fuel. They often added an extra tank in the trunk. Later the Olds with the diesel were sought after to repower with a GM gas V8. Easy way to evade the strict California emissions test by never notifying the DMV that the car had been repowered. Diesels were exempt from testing. Once word got out about GMs failed diesel they were giving these cars away.
I have some wheels and tires coming next week for it, going to polish the paint too. This winter I plan to pull the drivetrain and clean it all up really nice. I have a 200-4R that I want to throw in as well once I rebuild it.
Lot of People did not Under stand the Mechanics of a diesel engine versus a gas!! My dad new the Mechanics of the engines. Growing up my dad had 3 station wagons 1 caddy. Yes all were diesels. They were not a Fast car that was my dads solution so his teenage boys would not get a speed ticket !
Had one for 105,000 miles. Great when it was running well. Peerless highway cruiser at 37mpg. Gobs of torque off the line but not much power in the mountains. Worked at a Caterpillar dealer and was friends with the night shop foreman. That is what kept it running so long. Valves and head gaskets, fuel pumps and injector pump. This one GM engine ruined the North American auto market for diesel motors for 15-20 years. Sad that with just some minor upgrades would have made it bullet proof. A water separator, better head gaskets and stronger head bolts. Especially livid were those poor people who bought Cadillacs with this 350 diesel. Cadillac people had little patience with the service manager's excuses and "yes, but" stories. Great job General Motors! Soon they would move on to the V8/6/4, the Cimarron, and the wonderful Northstar motor, a nice idea poorly executed. After re-building two Northstar engines, I swore off GM passenger cars for good.
It really is sad how it all went down and the reputation that came from not wanting to spend a few more dimes on some much needed upgrades. I also have a Northstar in a 2000 Seville STS that I bought with blown head gaskets, pulled the engine and installed Northstar Performance head and main studs as well as new timing chains, tensioners and MLS head gaskets. I have no fear of that engine being an issue any time soon.
Nobody likes the engines, but everybody loves the cars because you could swap a big block olds right in (drop in swap) and you didn't need emissions inspections.
My father-in-law gave us a new 1981Oldsmobile 98 Regency with a 350 Diesel. When we had the 3rd engine installed at 43,000 miles, we gave up and traded it. Good mileage, astonishingly slow in the mountains (15 mph with the pedal on the floor) and horrible engine(s).
So sad that these engines were plagued with issues and horrible underpowered on top of it. I find them to be super cool just because nobody really knows they exist anymore because most were either swapped for gas engines or broke down and junked. This one runs fantastic now and hoping it stays that way, I have a 400 mile trip this weekend and I'm planning to take it 😎
Kudos for sticking with the diesel engine and getting it going. I’m sure that there’s not many left
Thanks! That's what intrigues me about this, I've only ever seen one that I can remember and it was my aunt's probably close to 30 years ago.
Yes i agree. Nice to see someone try to revive an original car instead of just engine swapping it. Tons of Kudos.
I tried to buy one off my neighbor for over ten years while it sat in his driveway just needing a carburetor. He finally sold it to me in 2017 for $500. I got it going then started delivering pizzas for Domino's. Was the most popular delivery in town. Mine was an 82 with a 307 V8 50,000 original miles. Built like a tank.
they didnt have a carburetor , they were fuel injected ! I had a 4.3 litre in my "79 cutlass and had to replace the head gaskets 3 times I finally gave it back to the dealership those diesels are NOT true diesels they are converted gas V8s with no upgrades to the heads or head gaskets . Good job GM !
No Olds 307's were fuel injected.they came with a variation of a Rochester Quad.
The 307s were reliable. Gutless but reliable.
this video is anout the diesel ones which were mostly only crap in the early years.
@@richardr2238The heads were diesel specific. Its not the "gas motor swapped to diesel" that was the problem, it was the lack of a fuel/water separator.
Nissan built a VERY SUCCESSFUL diesel which was based off a gasoline engine, called the LD28.
Most were used in marine applications but Nissan also used them in many cars and trucks throughout the 80s and 90s as well. Mostly overseas but the US market got it in the 1st generation Nissan Maxima (rwd ones).
The engines were so similar that you can literally swap the diesel crank into a gas block to make a stroker motor.
What happened to it?
Have owned 5 of these diesels thru the years. #1 issue is factory head bolt breaking causing leak on head gasket. ARP sells head stud kit for this engine that will not break. If your head gasket is not leaking I would highly recommend taking out the GM head bolts and replacing with ARP studs. It can be done without taking engine apart, you don,t even need to drain the coolant. Just replace one at a time in the torquing sequence. I have done 3 engines like this and driven many miles with no issue. Thanks for video!
Previous owner did have a head bolt break and had bubbles in the coolant overflow tank, he said he replaced that one bolt and that stopped the bubbles, planning to do the ARP heads this winter and probably new head gaskets as well. Thanks!
Always loved the sound of these Diesel engines. Miss this era of car and interior comfort.
I converted one back to gas back in the 90s. Decent foundation for a rat rod motor.
If this car wasn't so nice and original (even though it's salvage title, wrecked in the rear in the 80s) I wouldn't mind doing some crazy stuff to it, but I feel this car needs to be preserved as is.
I worked at an Oldsmobile dealership behind the parts counter in the 80s. These diesel's were constantly in for warranty repairs. One day 12 of these were in at the same time. The owners wanted to kill the salesman who came into work but was advised by management to take the day off. That was a crazy Monday !!
what was the problem in that car ?
How many bays in the shop?
I'd always heard that this block just wasn't built for diesel compression. Makes sense...
I worked for Olds back in 82. There were two of us that only worked on the diesels and it was engine swap city because of all the complainers. The problem with the early diesel were most mechanics were totally ignorant of them along with the owners. You can not operate and maintain a diesel like a car engine. 2 and 3 mile daily trips killed them.
@@cornfilledscreamer614 Only the early pre1981s
I had an 83 toronado diesel. Zero issues with engine only problem i had was the injection pump i had rebuilt at around 80,000 miles. Super nice car enjoy.
As a former Oldsmobile mechanic I worked on these. They are good cars that got a bad rap due to people not knowing much about diesels at the time. I would disconnect the EGR valve your oil will stay cleaner. P.S. still have parts and dealer tools.
I may end up looking for some parts and specific tools soon, any chance you're in Michigan? Doubtful but worth asking!
Yup, disconnect egr or use early model crossover with out egr. Wire the exhaust back pressure valve open. Install a real oil cooler-not the oil heater the factor has and find a tach and time and set the pump timing. I preferred the 6.5 "clum "relay instead of the glow plug controller that came with the 5.7.
1 small tip with these old school indirect injection Diesel engines,make sure your glow plugs are 100% and the system works like intended. It's vital on these engines for firering up on all cilinders with minimal smoke. When it's cold outside,wait an aditional 5 seconds when the glow light goes out. The system still glows and the plugs get much hotter in those couple seconds after the light went already out.
Enjoy your cruiser. It's a real gem
Thanks for the tip, I'll keep that in mind!
I 2nd that tip. Will fire up at 0'F w/ 2 hot batts and cycling gp an extra time or two on treated diesel
I had one in the 90's never turned it off, let run like a rig, you have to get it serviced if you have a lotta smoke coming out the exhaust only problem with these the belt bracket bolts with pop& break if they are loose or not torqued right
I knew a man that was a diesel mechanic His whole life.He was still wrenching at 85 and commuting to work 40 miles both ways.He had been a field rep rep for international harvester for 16 years.He was the guy that got the harvest machinery going when the dealer couldnt.He taught diesel at two colleges.Lots of donated olds diesels.His 82 olds wagon came to my home.I had never found one that sounded that good.I had been around a few of them.That car got 26 mpg all the time.He bought the car for 300 blown engine. He built an engine.He said I wired up the glow plugs so they got much hotter for start up.He told me a combination that worked one year of block another year rotating assy.Also a mix of other parts.He got to try all this at the college.They even had a chassis dyno.So beautiful running reliable car.
I love that you are putting in the effort. I’ve always heard about those engines but I’ve never had the chance to see one in person. Watching your video makes me want one for my own! Keep up the good work and preserve a piece of automotive history.
Thanks! I only remember ever seeing one of them in my entire life probably 25 years ago or so, my aunt had one and I remember it sitting in her driveway with gelled fuel in the winter so it wouldn't run 😂. I just think they are cool because you just don't see them at all anymore, I want to keep this one alive and well for years to come.
My grandpa had one and he said it used to freeze. Now I don't know if he ever used a block heater. But when my uncle got out of automotive trade school, he converted it to gas. They had it another 10 years until it rusted away. A 98 and Delta 88 are the cars of my childhood. So nice to see one running
Great stuff! Thank you for saving this beauty!
Beautiful. I had a 1980s Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon with the diesel engine. I bought it running rough in 1986. I had a diesel truck mechanic rebuild the fuel injection pump and then it ran great -- for about 15,000 miles then it started running rough again. It quit running entirely when I was 400 miles from home. I just junked it. In retrospect I think I could have prevented the problems if I had put a water separation filter in the fuel line. We didn't have the Internet then so learning these kinds of things was difficult.
To die for!!! I have the same car, same year, but mine is burgundy on burgundy...great video!! I'm glad you got the car...99.99% chance if you didn't, it'd of been in the scrap yard in a year or so....
I completely agree! I'm very stubborn, was absolutely determined to get this thing up and running and enjoy it!
Man, that car being a diesel makes it the definition of a survivor! My dad had an 81 Cutlass diesel back in the first half of the 90s that he eventually swapped with a 403 out of his moms custom cruiser
Such cool engines, don't care how unreliable or unpopular they are 😎
Awesome and rare car! I would love to see a driving video of this beauty. Thanks for sharing this as I've never seen a diesel Oldsmobile In person. So cool!!
Hoping for the first "real" test drive next week if I have time. I need to get some tires for it and check a few more things then it will be time for a drive!
I was about 7 years old when this car was brand new, and I remember these 98 Regency and Delta 88 diesels being all over the place. I've always absolutely *loved* the Regencys. This car is a time capsule!
Those Oldsmobiles and Buicks were some sweet rides. I had a 1985 Buick LeSabre Limited Colectors Edition 4 door. Sitting in that car was like sitting on your living room sofa. It just glided over the road. It handled like a dream. It had the upgraded button tufted seats, all the bells and wishes. Its a shame they don't build cars like that anymore. It also had the 307 Oldsmobile 4 barrel V8. I remember when the starter went bad, the auto parts store insisted it had a 305 Chevrolet engine. The 307 must have been the standard engine for the Oldsmobile and Buicks, because a co-worker had a 83 Electra 224 and his car had the 307.
I remember my parents buying a 81 tornado diesel brand new from the showroom. within the first year they sold it taking a big loss. But your 's is absolutely beautiful. I feel you'll be fighting it the rest of your life.. but that might be just what your looking to do. But I'm very impressed with the work you have done... Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you! I am definitely a sucker when it comes to working on cars that are thrown out by most people 😂 I plan to make this car very reliable, but it won't be a daily driver anyway, just a nice weather summer cruiser.
EVERY car took a bit hit on trade in,its not like today.
I love those 98 they were great cars. I had a 1980 Olds 88 Diesel l I love the car but the rust just got to be to much after a while so I sold it and bought a 1981 impala Diesel but that car did not compare to the Olds less quality. I would love to own another one, They were great cars and very dependable.
Got an 83 Cadillac with this engine, trying to put the engine back together after some years. Appreciate the content! Also interesting how much this olds looks like the Cadillac inside. Thanks for sharing!
Hope you can get it running! Tons of great info on the Oldsmobile diesel groups on Facebook, I learned so much just in a few days of reading after I bought this!
@@BigMessGarage thank you! By any chance, have you come across any exploded views type diagrams of the engine and accessories that might be helpful in puzzling it back together? The pictures I took when taking it apart whent MIA 😔
Man, how I love these Oldsmobile Diesels. Imported an Olds Custom Cruiser of the the same era back in the days, but unfortunetely it had a gas engine. And yes, please more content. Greating from Germany, Chris
Dad had a couple diesel cars, and him and I had a couple diesel trucks back in the day. He got over 300 thousand kms out of his truck. He never drove it very hard. Drove it year-round .
I, being in my 20s, drove mine harder and blew the headgaskets a couple of times.
A very rare beast nowadays.
Wow, what a beautiful car. Those 98 Regency's were such great cars with nice interiors. Please make more videos about his unique car.
Absolutely will! Much more to come!
My dad bought a new, 1980 Toronado diesel. He had very good luck with his; mainly because he had an Olds mechanic explain the necessary maintenance to keep it running properly.
Finally getting a chance to watch your videos. These cars don't have the fit and finish or general build quality of other makes but for the price and what we get these are good cars.
I have zero complaints for a 43 year old car, the doors shut like a bank vault, nicer than just about any other newer car I've owned 😳
@@BigMessGarage American cars had issues during that era but I think the rear drive full size Olds was about the best American car during that era.
If only they had made small cars of comparable quality.
I Never was able to find one of these for sale when I was in my teens for sale. They are rare. Super comfortable.
Super cool find and very interesting video. I'd love to have one of these GM V8 diesels. I used to own a Buick Century with the V6 diesel.
I had a number of these diesel vehicles...
Loved them....water separator good investment
Enjoy
Water separator is definitely on the list.
@@BigMessGarage Water was from the "gas" stations that sold diesel. Use the truck island of a truck stop / They always have fresh fuel. Invest in a hydrometer so you cand check the specific gravity of the fuel. I have seen #1 sold in 100 degree weather .No good on pumps and injectors of those old engines except in extreme cold to keep from jelling.
Beautiful ride. Wouldn’t mind finding one like that.
I always loved the big cars. I had a 1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 84 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, 1987 Chevy Caprice Cop car to name a few. There's no better feeling then driving plush couch down the road floating on air!
The diesel cars had extra sound deadening and make really comfortable road cars, especially with a Rocket 350 gas conversion.
The thought of converting this car to gas hurts my soul 😂 I don't think I could ever bring myself to do that! If I found another one though I could see it happening 🤔
Beautiful car. Even a 8 track and very comfortable seats. Now not like the older cars. Ty for sharing 😊😊
this came back up on my youtube feed. thinking about this I realized that there were feed and a return fuel lines on the diesel. This helps make it a good candidate for an LS swap; you need both lines for that engine asaik. Put in a good trans and you'd have a good cruiser. I think that rear end had a 2:56 axle in it, maybe a 3:08, but either way a decent engine will still get decent economy. Having bought a new '80 Custom Cruiser diesel and going through the machinations of the dealer looking down his nose at me when I came in when it was new and under warranty, I would not spend any time or money chasing a dream that doesn't have a good future. I replaced my engine and trans at about 64,000 miles for a gas 350. It was OK, but not as good as my '75 or '77 Cutlasses with the 350 (gas of course).
Amazing Car🤩 (greetings from the Netherlands -Europe)
Thank you! Hope you enjoy the videos on this car 😎
I love this car hopefully more videos will come out and all this time the problem was the injection pump was the issue that the engine run bad
I have posted a couple update videos since this one with more to come! I'll be taking it on the Hot Rod Power Tour next month too 😎
I happened to buy an 83 olds 98 all original in amazing condition still diesel only problem ive had was needed to rebuild injector pump. Love the car.
Had a gmc pickup with one of those diesel engines. Had been replaced with a 350 olds rocket by the time i got it. Still had the hood ornament that said diesel. Lent it to a buddy of mine and he filled it up with diesel for me. Replaced the hood ornament with a mule after that
I had a 84 Cutlass with a 350 diesel, the motor blew up about 2 years after I bought it, not because of the motor or the way I was driving it, but because the lower radiator hose would suck itself shut when driving at normal speeds. but would open up when it was idling, it never dawned on me. I learned a valuable lesson with that car!!
I've heard of that being an issue as well with the lower radiator hose not having the spring inside, recent finding for me as well!
@@BigMessGarage There was no spring inside.
@@tetekofa yup, that would do it.
May not be a Ferrari or a Rolls, but damn that sure is a unique car ! Can't wait to see the new videos !
About as reliable, but cheaper to work on than a Ferrari or rolls!😂
Very nice car, thanks for posting.
Had a 1980 Toronado in 1985 that had an air leak cause stalling and hard starting. At least I could tell where it was from the fuel leakage in the pipe or hose. If fuel can leak out, air can get in.
Believe it or not, I have one of thes 5.7 Diesels in a 1932 Ford Roadster. It was built by Dick Magoo (famous for his quality hot rod builds in the 70s and 80s that were show quality and could be driven anywhere) He built it for a guy that owned a Diesel Trucking Company. He wanted to power the Roadster with the 5.7 Diesel out of his Oldsmobile. Dick was perplexed, but sent the engine out to have all of the GM issues beefed up. The Roaster has been to LA four times, Victoria, BC twice for Duece Days and once to Bonneville Salt Flats.
That is awesome! Would love to see a video of it!
I was surprised to hear an electronic beeping sound for the seatbelt reminder when you started up this 1981 Oldsmobile Diesel. I thought all Oldsmobiles still used a scary buzzer until at least 1982.
I never even realized what that beep was for to be honest, always just ignored it 😂
Impressive that you were able to work on the injection pump.
Thanks! It really wasn't that bad to mess with all the information out there in them. Still a bit nerve wracking though!
We had a 1980 Ninety-Eight with the 5.7L diesel. The most chronic problem we encountered were the INTAKE valves always sticking open. Sounded terrible. I am guessing that we had the car in at least six times for that issue, over five years. Finally, the engine gave up the ghost after those five years.
Dad put a gasser in it and it ran great for about 6 months....then the transmission caught fire. Dad traded it in for a Renault Alliance (another POS). Never did consult me....I was the mechanic in the family. I'd have told him to go get a Honda or Toyota at the time (mid '80s). Oh well.....he had $$$ to burn and he sure did.
A well preserved car thanks for Sharing
Not many kept the Oldsmobile 350 Diesel V-8 when it had a major problem back in the day. It was common to swap in a gasoline Oldsmobile V-8. I knew someone who killed their Oldsmobile 350 Diesel V-8 by filling the tank with unleaded gasoline on accident.
I love it! I remember the Olds diesels really well. Nice job fixing the injector pump. Definitely sort out the fuel lines/tank. Does it have a water separator installed ? Surprised the old diesel fuel is still good. Since that the head bolt broke and there was bubbling in the coolant, I think I would want to upgrade them all and change the headgaskets - there is an aftermarket kit to do so. What did he do with the NOS replacement diesel engine? Yes, more videos please. Love 98's and all GM diesels. What block is it? the DX ?
I bought the car and the NOS engine for $950! He was restoring a '69 GTO so this just wasn't important and his wife was on him to get rid of it so he could focus on one thing. Planning on head studs and new gaskets as well. I have a couple more videos up after this one showing the fuel tank removal and running after, check them out!
@@BigMessGarage OMG! What a deal! That Olds' is a great car, those velour interiors they used on the Old's back then wear like iron - that interior looks new. Too bad the body was wrecked at one point - but yes, agree, it does seem it was repaired well. I would love to see more videos of your restoration work - fuel line tank, diesel engine, any upgrades (bolts, gasket replacement)etc.
@@groovy1937 definitely check out the other ones I posted and keep an eye out for more as I go along! Different wheels and tires coming, paint correction, new shocks etc. At some point the engine will come out and get cleaned up and the engine bay cleaned up as well. Plenty more work to come!
@@BigMessGarage This will be exciting! Especially the engine work.
Love the 80 and Up 350 Olds Diesel, they made Many improvements over the 1st generation, and were pretty reliable motors by that point, and got GREAT Gas mileage too..,
What a cool unique car. I love it.
Yes you are right they don"t run for long, I had a truck go a rebuilt engine from the dealer lasted a month
Great car!!
Yes please let us know how you go and if and when you put back on road!
I drove it 420 miles two weekends ago, I posted a video on it, definitely check it out 😎
Haha I did, commented and then saw the video... Great autumn colours even if a bit early!
Now I also want one (I live in Australia, but who knows) @@BigMessGarage
Don’t know much about these. My Dad was a car salesman in the 1980’s. Car salesman could take any unsold used car in the lot home as part of their compensation back then. He said during those days (the economy wasn’t great), the sales team would simply take home any car that had gas in the tank. When that didn’t work, they’d take home the diesels. He took home an early 80’s Olds Toronado diesel daily for months (I guess it wouldn’t sell) Occasionally (since it was a Datsun dealer) he brought home Maxima Diesels. They were very nice cars.
Great video so cool you are getting one of these going again.
Diesel for whatever reason just never got beyond trucks commercial and passenger in the US. From what I gather these diesels really didn't have much that needed changed to be a pretty solid motor. One was the water separator and the other the head bolts. Both easily fixable by the manufacturer. They have 15 excuses ready for any issue electric cars have before the problems even happen. If these got 1/100th of the gimmies electrics are getting they would have been able to get to market what they wanted to. That being said diesel cars never took off here in US cars even by companies who had been selling diesel cars for decades. So no matter what they did it's hard to believe customers here would have bought them purely because it was made by GM and not imported.
Agreed and I always thought it was odd how so many here seem to be against diesels for so many years. Now though with the modern emissions systems they have and how expensive and problematic they can be I can see why people would want to avoid them!
Would like to tinker with an Olds 350 diesel. Or any other diesel. I keep hearing they get great gas mileage! Very unique nowadays too.
On your next video have it all fixed with the really ruff engine idle absolutely gone. The original owner didn’t even try to take it to 4 fix it shops or dump booko dollars to have someone else do the work. The original owner did not do any justice for that car. A steering wheel cover would conceal the crack. The trunk is filthy. Needs to be vacuumed and shampoo to make it show room mint like the inside of the car. The interior and undercarriage is amazing. All you need is a motor that purrs not runs on metal and a cleaned up trunk and you have yourself a nice Gem. Do they have Hall and Oats on A track? 😁
The 8-track player has a rubber belt, almost certainly it has crumbled. Replace it, spray a few drops of deoxidizer in the switches and pots and there's a fair chance it will play again. BTW, the moment you started that Diesel you reminded me of the wonderful quiet of my BMW I3.
The diesel has a wonderful noise to it haha! It certainly is not a car you can sneak around in that's for sure, sounds like an old school bus 😂
As for the radio, I found the antenna unplugged in the fender, I'll get to that one day, for now playing through the FM transmitter works great.
Beautiful car. Wonder what happened to the "diesel" emblem on the trunk lid. Also good to see if has the "diesel" emblem below the gauge cluster.
The car was totaled back in the early 80s and that was all replaced. Trunk lid, rear quarter and about 3/4 of the trunk floor pan. The parts that were put on were from a gas car.
I had an 81 coupe replace the injector pump once in 150k miles other than that no problem and awesome mpg
After I graduated from college I interviewed at a company in Missouri that took the recalled gm diesel engines and rebuilt them and modified them to run gas to them be installed in motor homes. Rejected the job offer as I had made much more money as a part time mechanic. The company did not last long
I've always wanted to try an Olds diesel there's no reason they shouldn't run well. It's really just misunderstood. Good luck with it
Thanks!
How did it become a salvage title car? certainly worth saving, nice old classic car!
It was hit in the back, hard! Sometime back in the 80s it was wiped out, the whole rear quarter and about 3/4 of the trunk floor was replaced!
@@BigMessGarage wow! ok doesn't show, looks good
@@delcorick9967 they did a fairly good job on the repair, up close looking under the car and in the wheel well you can see the repair pretty easily but it's nothing I would complain about.
I forgot how nice those sound
that is a awesome save bro ❤
Thanks!
Looks like the NY inspection sticker in it says it was last on the road in 1987?
That was last on NY, it's been in Michigan for a long time now. Last on the road here about 14 years ago now other than a few days ago and today I was able to get it out on the road.
I had one of these cars & a very nice ride it was but it wasn't a diesel. Thank God. Recommending that if it is a diesel powered car, that it be swapped out for a gas 350/350 turboflite trans. You be glad you did it. Will last indefinitely if treated right.
Appreciate the comment! This car will forever remain diesel though 😎
I wish you made more videos.
There will be plenty more to come, stay tuned!
I read somewhere GM made a limited run of Chevy Impala 2 doors with the 6.3L V8 diesels, back in 80 or 81, which were sold, for whatever reason, to the US Military only. I guess they had a different front end suspension for the weight. That engine was a bit more robust, and more plentiful, I wonder if that's an option for a swap? Should the 5.7 take a dump I mean.
I have seen people swap in the 6.2 in place of the 5.7, I haven't done any research on it but seems like it's somewhat common.
the early 350 diesels were the unreliable ones, after they started building them with the better 350dx blocks they were just as reliable as a gas engine. but, they were still very underpowered which is the main reason people hated them. it would have been better if gm put them in the midsize cars rather than the fullsize ones.
I heard you can put a more improved crate GM diesel engine in these. Heard of someone who did just that and probably still has the car. These have become unplanned collectible cars, with GM building cars of all their brands with these engines and some V6s too. Also heard of some getting rebuilt with the correct parts needed to run with diesel fuel that are running really good. I'd love me one because of how unique these are.
Hmm... I wonder if the 6.2L/378" was a bolt-in option? AFAIK, they had virtually zero problems with THAT engine in the trucks, after learning the lessons of the 350/260.
@@marko7843zero problems, huh? 😂
The am general 6.5's are *still* junk
What a great car.. Does this have a 3 speed or 4 speed?
Three speed for now, I have a 200-4R that I may swap in though. I could then change the rear end gears to something a bit more favorable for acceleration.
I knew several people who had these. A couple of them were ok and the others were disasters. Not trying to excuse GM but some of the problems were owner/driver related; they couldn't be treated like gasoline engines especially when cold. Fullsize American luxury with 25 mpg was pretty hard to pass up, too bad that GM didn't do a better job.
That diesel came out in late 79 and early 80.Those engines had a weak block and it would blow the crankshaft out the bottom.Worked on manny many of these diesels and also replaced them with gas engines if customer wanted to keep car.
OH by the way if the fuel line bleeds out after it sits the line has a hole it in, mine did that but the hole was in metal tube that come out or the tank so watch for that
Thanks for the heads up!
Very nice car good job on video ❤
Thanks!
It is really too bad GM did not manke the decision to use a Cummins 4BT diesel. A Cummins 4BT can goto 300+hp safe all day long. IMO , uf GM did this, they would have had a wicked car to sell.
Stud it and add a hairdryer or yank the head's and install some good 455 head's on it. Very desirable block. 4 bolt mains, and heavy webbing make indestructible.
I've seen that they can make a very strong gas engine. I really want to keep this one diesel though, even though it will be super slow.
Is this the DX Mr Goodwerch block?
It is though it has some oddities I found when checking the engine out to see if it was ok. One valve cover is Goodwrench 350 diesel, the other says Goodwrench 4.3 diesel. Definitely some weird stuff with the engine and someone has been messing with it at some point in their garage more than I was told.
Beautiful ❤
I can literally smell my grandpa’s car; mix of tobacco, windex and those wicker air-fresheners
I know that smell 😂
Nice car
yes please many videos!
Nice, drain out that old fuel dude.
More diesel videos pls!
Pour some Marvel Mystery Oil into the fuel tank and that will help the desire to freshen it up.
My grandparents bought one new in 1980 and gave it to me in 1999 with 100k original everything, I spun a rod bearing and my biggest regret was letting that car go I rebuilt the engine with a diesel shop and it ran for awhile but sold it. I was young and dumb much love to my grandparents for many life lessons, some we learn later.
Have you ever tried to find it again?
@@BigMessGarage no I don't think I could handle it emotionally if I ever see a one again with the gray interior gray exterior I would cry. At 43 I'm regretting the sale of all my vehicles I've owned but it's all just stuff that can be replaced with money
Did you by chance get the NOS engine with it? I hope so, if you can keep them cool they will last a long while. Also upgrade the cooling system as much as possible. Growing up my neighbor had several of them olds diesels and drove them all the time.
I did get the NOS engine as well, still has the paper tags on the injection lines and original oil filter on it, definitely has never been ran! Best part is I grabbed it all for only $950!
I used to own one of these in Denmark...
They were used as cabs here, with all the disasters that followed...
After rebuilding and updating the 5.7 to 1980 specs and adding a giant fuelfilter/waterseperator it ran forever....
If I could find one again I would replace the driveline with an MB OM642 coupled to a 722.6 5-speed autotrans..
Or even better an OM629 which is an 4 litre V8 CDI with trucktorque....
Oh since the fuel is old try to add oil in the fuel. ULSD lacks lubricity. The oil in the fuel may help with the rebuilt pump break in
I had to drop the tank and put new fuel in it, the fuel looked like mud! I have a video on that you can check out if you like!
Nice car, almost a Cadillac. Stay dirty 👍
My gf in high school parents had one, said “weluvrs” on the license plates.
Back in the day people bought these diesels and ran to Mexico from San Diego to fuel up on .19 per gallon diesel fuel. They often added an extra tank in the trunk. Later the Olds with the diesel were sought after to repower with a GM gas V8. Easy way to evade the strict California emissions test by never notifying the DMV that the car had been repowered. Diesels were exempt from testing. Once word got out about GMs failed diesel they were giving these cars away.
Interesting! I bet they had a lot of fun with that 😂
What are your plans for the car?
I have some wheels and tires coming next week for it, going to polish the paint too. This winter I plan to pull the drivetrain and clean it all up really nice. I have a 200-4R that I want to throw in as well once I rebuild it.
Lot of People did not Under stand the Mechanics of a diesel engine versus a gas!!
My dad new the Mechanics of the engines.
Growing up my dad had 3 station wagons 1 caddy.
Yes all were diesels.
They were not a Fast car that was my dads solution so his teenage boys would not get a speed ticket !
The nice thing with diesel it doesn’t go bad like gasoline.
Had one for 105,000 miles. Great when it was running well. Peerless highway cruiser at 37mpg. Gobs of torque off the line but not much power in the mountains.
Worked at a Caterpillar dealer and was friends with the night shop foreman. That is what kept it running so long. Valves and head gaskets, fuel pumps and injector pump.
This one GM engine ruined the North American auto market for diesel motors for 15-20 years. Sad that with just some minor upgrades would have made it bullet proof. A water separator, better head gaskets and stronger head bolts. Especially livid were those poor people who bought Cadillacs with this 350 diesel. Cadillac people had little patience with the service manager's excuses and "yes, but" stories.
Great job General Motors! Soon they would move on to the V8/6/4, the Cimarron, and the wonderful Northstar motor, a nice idea poorly executed. After re-building two Northstar engines, I swore off GM passenger cars for good.
It really is sad how it all went down and the reputation that came from not wanting to spend a few more dimes on some much needed upgrades. I also have a Northstar in a 2000 Seville STS that I bought with blown head gaskets, pulled the engine and installed Northstar Performance head and main studs as well as new timing chains, tensioners and MLS head gaskets. I have no fear of that engine being an issue any time soon.
Nobody likes the engines, but everybody loves the cars because you could swap a big block olds right in (drop in swap) and you didn't need emissions inspections.
You should install a dual exhaust system I think it will give you more horse power!🤔
Is this a D block or DX ?
It is a DX
My father-in-law gave us a new 1981Oldsmobile 98 Regency with a 350 Diesel. When we had the 3rd engine installed at 43,000 miles, we gave up and traded it. Good mileage, astonishingly slow in the mountains (15 mph with the pedal on the floor) and horrible engine(s).
So sad that these engines were plagued with issues and horrible underpowered on top of it. I find them to be super cool just because nobody really knows they exist anymore because most were either swapped for gas engines or broke down and junked. This one runs fantastic now and hoping it stays that way, I have a 400 mile trip this weekend and I'm planning to take it 😎
@@BigMessGarage I hope it serves you well.