I just picked up a 1981 OLDS 98 - known issues?

[davistev]

Hey people. I just [picked up a 1981 Oldsmobile 98 for $300. It's body is solid with no rust. I would like to know what are the common issues on this car so I can know what to look out for. So far I have a

1) Drivers Side Power Window not operable (motor seems to be working but wndow not going up)

2) Valve cover gaskets no good as it is leaking oil onto plugs.

3) Musty smell as the vehicle sat for a while and there is mold on carpet.

4) left indicator not returning back automatically and no left turn light blinking on the dash(but it is blinking outside).

5) The front windscreen "fogs" up when the heater is turned on (maybe the heater cor is blown as I smell what could be antifreeze).

Thats it for now. Any help or suggestions most welcome. This one will be fun!

[maxwedge]

The known issues here are it is a 25 year old car!

[xeroinfinity]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

The known issues here are it is a 25 year old car!

1- check the switches
2- change them
3- probly remove the carpet thats moldy or clean with 50/50 bleach and water.
4- the switch in the steering wheel is broke.
This usualy happens when someone holds down on the signal lever while they are turning the wheel.
5- sounds like heater core

Hope that helps and Welcome to AF.

[davistev]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

The known issues here are it is a 25 year old car!

Yeah I know - Isn't that GREAT! A 25 year old car with no rust and and pure American Steal. One huge Yank Tank man!

[davistev]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

1- check the switches
2- change them
3- probly remove the carpet thats moldy or clean with 50/50 bleach and water.
4- the switch in the steering wheel is broke.
This usualy happens when someone holds down on the signal lever while they are turning the wheel.
5- sounds like heater core

Hope that helps and Welcome to AF.

Thanks. Yeah - a 307 motor tends to have history in regards to valve cover gaskets. Easy job to fix. It's the electrical that allways gets me. I will work on this baby a bit ata time and hopefully with the advice of the kind folks in this forum, I will be able to learn some new tricks and hone my troubleshooting skills a lot better than they currently are. The whole reason I bought this car was to play, repair and learn.

Thanks again. Do you know of a way I can test the heater core?

[xeroinfinity]

Testing the heater core would require you to remove it to realy know.
If you are getting any sweet smell coming frm the vents,
and fog rolling out the vent when you turn it on, its bad!

Here is a link for that heater core removal, as it is a PITA !

[maxwedge]

Just to add here lots of issues with intake gasket leaks at the corners on the 307.