What could cause these automobile issues?

Question

I have a 1987 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham with less than 90,000 miles on it. For the past while, I've had issues with my car shifting late from first into second, and on occasion into third from second, along with engine failures at stops and while in motion. The late shifting typically happens when I come to my first stop after the car starts up, and the issue slowly fades away as my drive progresses. Though the engine failure usually happens when I'm in Overdrive or when I've driven my car for a while, shut it down, and started driving it again in the same day. I've noticed that the late shifting issue doesn't occur when using Overdrive, though I typically use Drive unless I'm traversing long distances at high speeds.

Background information:
1) When I use Drive, my only issues are shifting late and the occasional loss of power from the engine (though I shift into neutral, turn the key, and it starts up just fine, even in motion). When I'm in Overdrive (mostly on the highway), however, I have less late shifting to worry about and more engine failure in the form of loss of power (I perform the same "life-saving" maneuver to start my car back up so I can brake). I've associated this issue with the transmission and my late shifting problem. It was suggested to me that my "vacuum tube" or something like that was not functioning properly, which could cause the late shifting. Also, I believe it would be in my best interest to get a transmission flush (when I have the money), though I don't know if that could help/solve the issues.

1a) A note about the engine failure: It's a "clean" shut-down. Usually when I step on the throttle after coming to a stop, the engine just shuts off. Strangely enough, I just put it in neutral and it starts up just fine with no further issues. Obviously the battery isn't the cause since it starts just fine, though I've noticed my engine wine-down (or lose RPMs) for a quick moment and my voltmeter drop low, then just raise back up spontaneously.

2) I have an oil leak from the oil cap (a very slow leak, but my low pressure alarm will sound on occasion). Usually I'll top-off my oil to keep some in there so I can save up to get a new pan, since mine is apparently a 3rd party oil pan. I don't know if this issue could cause engine failure.

3) I have an old computer system in this car; I'm not sure what it does other than help shift between gears in Overdrive. It was suggested to me that I should find an Oldsmobile dealership (lol) and get it reset/analyzed. Unfortunately, very few places have hook-ups to support an old computer like mine, so it could remain a mystery forever if that is the issue.

4) My power steering is looser than in any other car I've driven (being two), though it would seem apparent that it's just the style of luxury Oldsmobile models. Along with that, my engine vibrates a little more than other cars, which isn't a style, based on common sense. Someone suggested that I get a tune up to solve this as well.

As you can see, I have quite a few issues, all of which could be related to one another, or rather possibly not. I've done plenty of research, and I've yielded no answer quite in the range of the questions I have. I know that the car is old, though it's in great condition since the original owner, and the only other one besides me, kept it in a garage for about ten years before it was sold to me. I've had some rubber nodes replaced on and throughout it once before and replaced some old hoses, but that is the extent of my repair history.

Basically, I just want to know what's wrong with my car, what kind of no-brainer repairs/steps to take to stop these issues, and what I should ask a professional to do/check my car for when I finally take it in it get it officially fixed. Thank you for your time and please ask me any questions about my problems if I'm not specific enough!

Answer 1

Whats wrong is that your car is an 80's GM POS. You have so much wrong with this thing that it's not worth fixing any of it. Junk it, take the $500 in scrap value and buy something worth driving form the 90's You should be able to buy a much better car for $2000, say a late 90's Ford Taurus.



As to the tranny. It sounds to me like no ones ever changed the tranny fluid in this pig. You have low line pressure and a sludged up tranny. It may not be fixable at this point. If you want to try, pull the tranny pan, clean the apcray out of the pan. Pull and replace the tranny filter. Clean the junk off the innards of the tranny that are accessible. Make sure it's clean and dry and replace the pan. Fill it with new Dexron and drive it. The reason it works better after a few shifts is that the tranny internals warm up and are able then to better pump tranny fluid.



Do not use a service that pumps your tranny fluid through a recycling machine and does not drop the pan. These are a waste of good money.



Do you really want to do all this or just move up?



Astrobuf

Answer 2

Bummer car! Ever thought of a different, older, but better running one, not to expensive, to replace it? Of course, if you don't want to give up on this one, try these effective, but uncommon servicing ideas. Here's what I think...



Transmissions crud up with dirty residues, and so do engines. There is your problem. Cleaning every part is part of the big expense when repairing them to end the problem. There are way cheaper ways and I suggest a certain kind of engine, transmission service product for cleaning I love - for it ends problems like yours.



A company called Mega Power sells this product that is so different, yet, it works ending those problems. Its success is using several new kinds of cleaners that also smooth rough-worn pistons, bearings, valves, and gears. Check their motor and transmission treatment out to see if that is what your car needs instead of a costly overhaul.



Here's what I know: Friction and crud stick valves -you have lots of them in the motor and transmission. When friction and crud sticks various shift valves and binds the gear shift point, they labor and put a binding strain on the gear rotation that hinders the natural direction of the motor. Not good of course.



Like your transmission, same is true of your motor's engine engine friction and dirty valves causing stalling except, when engines bind as they close, the piston continues it rotation, and if upward, pushes exhaust or fuel out the still-closing valves, wrong way. And the motor dies. Make any sense?



So, if both conditions happen, its to much for the motor. And you have the problem you describe. The mega power company's products work to end those conditions and revitalize the motor and transmission, so happier driving days are here again. You can learn more at the source below. Hope this bit of info helps.

Answer 3

in accordance to "Gordon Michel Scallion" the worldwide well known futurist we are allready interior the worldwide huge Dipression like the single we had decrease back in 1929 ,this is going to final from 2007-2009 in case you have shares sell it now once you're forward,oil expenses will hit $4.00 by ability of the tip of this 365 days

Answer 4

A poor running engine can create trans. problems.