Cadillac: Northstar engines

I have a 2001 Deville DHS with a Northstar and it has performed very well
except some ignition diodes failed about a year ago.

My dealer told me that it was the 2001 year the Northstar engine was cast
from a single block; earlier models were cast from two blocks bolted
together.

My DHS has just turned 78000 miles and had the tires replaced and expect to
replace the brake pads in about 5000 miles.
Two of the tires are original and two were replaced at ~35000 miles.


--
Don
Vancouver, USA

<com> wrote in message
news:com... 

Thank you for your comments. May I ask what the ignition diode repair
cost? Is this the first brake job?

Smokey

On Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:01:23 -0700, "Don Schmidt" <Don
Retired_1987> wrote:
 

As the bill reads - 60k Miles:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check Engine Light is on and Vech Intermittantly will stall our, and seems
hard starting (My complaint)
ELCDIAG Diagnosis of Inspection on Electracal System
156 CC 92.00 (Labor ? my comment)
12575481 Sensor 70.34
12575482 Sensor 83.69
Need to replace both Crankshaft Sensors
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the comments of the Service Rep the Sensor problem was fixed on later
models.


I haven't had a brake job yet. Soon to have the first one done at 70K
miles.
The budget went to new tires, balance & alignment - $795

--
Don
Vancouver, USA

<com> wrote in message
news:com... 

Thank you again.
Smokey in San Antonio

On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:28:32 -0700, "Don Schmidt" <Don
Retired_1987> wrote:
 

On Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:28:46 -0500, com wrote
something wonderfully witty:
 
Pretty much, but isn't that the case with most things, especially
wives?
 
As I said, most things if properly maintained will last, sometimes it
is the cost of the maintenance that is a bitch.
 
Maybe yes, maybe no. Are you the original owner & did you complete
all the scheduled maintenance?
 
Por Nada
 


--

"Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional,
illogical liberal minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media,
which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 19:57:03 -0400, The Wolf With the Red Roses
<net> wrote:
 
My goodness no. No two wives are the same. You might be able to
maintain mine properly, I sure as hell cannot. 
Do have any comments about the cost of maintaining a Northstar? 
I was the new owner 4 or 5 days. What is your experience relative to
a well maintained Northstar. How long do they last in your experience? 

On Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:56:09 -0500, com wrote
something wonderfully witty:
 
Of course no two are the same, hell some of them aren't even the same
all month long. However, my point was; there are low maintenance
wives, and then there are high maintenance wives. I think there is
some connection between appearance & maintenance.
 
In 4 or 5 days you put 88K on a Deville? Color me confused. Now if
you are saying you bought it used with 88k and returned it in 4/5 days
later because of a mechanical problem then who the hell knows how the
previous owner treated it.

My experience with both Northstar's, and Caddy's in general is that
they take a lickin & keep on tickin when properly maintained. The
biggest thing is oil changes (and look-overs while in the shop), good
gas, and semi-decent driving habits. Now I've had a problem here &
there with every mechanical thing I've ever owned, but that is the
nature of the beast. I usually buy new so I know what I am getting to
start with. I normally manage about 100K every three years or so
without any major problems, and have only had one engine (Chevy 4-bolt
main threw a rod) go belly-up prior to hitting 200k.

--

"Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional,
illogical liberal minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media,
which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

On Sat, 14 Jul 2007 09:49:19 -0400, The Wolf With the Red Roses
<net> wrote:
 

True. An exception was this caddy. It did not have a mark on it
inside and out. No dings in the paint and undetectable wear on the
upholstery. When it is to good to be true etc.
 
Correct, had 88000 when I bought it. 
 

Unfortunately, for me, I will have to stick to "used" if I am going to
insist on a caddy.

If I have the next purchase tested by an independent mechanic what
should be checked beyond the codes? Compression test and ????
I don't mind some minor repairs. I could set aside $1000. I guess that
might cover brakes and tires if needed at the same time maybe a
starter too?


Thank you for your comments.

Smokey