Just bought an 89 Deville

[Firewind]

I just bought myself a 89 Deville, with the paintjob, I call 'human flesh' it's like this ugly pink tan. I just replaced the alternator and battery. and the motor is very clean.

It's got a beautiful 99% rust free exterior, interior is a little warn, expessaly in the driver side. So I'm going to want to try and fix some of that up too.

But I'm looking for any known problems that happen with Devilles in this year range. So I can look out for the future as I head into winter. And look into stuff now too. Honestly, the motor purrs like a kitten, so I'm not too worried.

And insted of posting twice. Any advice on reaching the spark plugs? They're really jammed in there tight. I'm used to 4 cylinder cars, were all the sparks are nice and right there in the open.

Thanks
Adam

[DFBonnett]

I don't believe there is anything vehicle specific aside from making sure the coolant supplement is used in the radiator and the coolant is changed every two or three years. Any original hoses or belts on the car are already past due for changing.
The back plugs are just tough to get to. You'll just have to do what we all did and experiment with a variety of extension lengths and universals. IIRC, I used a different combo on each of the back plugs. The backs of my hands got chewed up a bit doing them. You kind of just have to wing it.
If the wires are more than just a few years old, plan on replacing them with the plugs. They don't seem to survive long after being pulled then reinstalled.
I think the heat makes them brittle and subject to internal breaks.
Use OEM parts where available. The 4.X series engines seem to do best with them.

[caddydaddy]

The transmission is the weakest part of the car. They tend to go out at around 130k miles. My '94 Deville has 133k and the trans is fine. Just be sure to change the fluid and filter at 100k

[Firewind]

Honestly all the hoses I've inspected so far are fine, S belt will most likely need to be replaced next year.

Tranny? at 130K? I've got 137K on it. But it was owned by an older man for most of it's life, and doesn't seem too abused but still... What signs should I keep my eyes open for the tranny? I've never had a bad automatic tranny before.

I'm not going to lie. I beat my cars into the ground. Well atleast my american cars.. 88 Dodge Shadow, and a 89 Pontiac Bonneville, both have now become car cubes, because of my agressive driving.

[caddydaddy]

Originally Posted by Firewind

Tranny? at 130K? I've got 137K on it. But it was owned by an older man for most of it's life, and doesn't seem too abused but still... What signs should I keep my eyes open for the tranny? I've never had a bad automatic tranny before.

I'm not going to lie. I beat my cars into the ground. Well atleast my american cars.. 88 Dodge Shadow, and a 89 Pontiac Bonneville, both have now become car cubes, because of my agressive driving.

If it starts slipping, that's a sign. Sometimes they just die and refuse to go anywhere, but most just slip. Just make sure the fluid stays red and doesn't get black. I have heard of people beating these cars hard like you do. And they have over 200k on thier Cadillacs and they run fine.

[Firewind]

Thanks for that info. I crused around last night for awhile, and it was nice and smooth, needs a little alingment, but nothing too bad.

The things that worries me now, are I accidentaly pressed in the E-brake (Because I was duh, looking for a clutch pettle, it's been awhile since I drive an auto. :P) And i found the release switch, but the Brake light is still on. So now I think the cable or switch is jamed.. The car didn't seem sluggish or anything, but still, now I gotta try and see if my brakes aer rubbing. On the 89's are they drums or disks?

The other thing that worries me, is the driver seat... It's so far back.. I mean, the tilt to it is way back, and the passangers isn't half as bad.. seems a little loose.. I'm hoping it's something simple like. "Oh a bolt is loose." but I doubt that.. Anyone had similar problem before?