Maybe this has been posted... but I just wanted to pass on to the Northstar swap guys that Cadillac is recalling 1995 Cadillacs with the Northstar 4.6L V8 . The Nylon fuel rail is cracking and causing engine fires. The fuel rail will be replaced by a Stainless steel fuel rail. Unfortunately when I told the service manager that my Northstar was mounted in the back of a 1987 Toyota MR2 all he did was laugh. He did say that the rail would cost around $120. Anyone have any connections at Cadillac that can get us a replacement fuel rail? I am not a rich guy and this car is nickel and dimeing me to death!
Just found the recall. I guess this is sorta old news... but new to Concours owners... my engine donor was a concours
quote
Campaign Number: 04V110000 Date: 2004-Mar-04
Component: Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings Defect Summary: SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NYLON TUBING USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, THE 1995 MODEL YEAR USES A UNIQUE UNDERHOOD FUEL RETURN LINE THAT MAY CRACK. CRACKING OF THE FUEL RAIL OR RETURN LINE TUBING CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. Consequence Summary: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL WITH A NEW STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A REVISED CHASSIS FUEL RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2004, FOR 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES. OWNERS OF 1995 CADILLACS AND 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA WERE SENT LETTERS ON AUGUST 6, 2004. ADDITIONAL LETTERS TO OWNERS WILL BE FORTHCOMING. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
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04:10 PM
madcurl Member
Posts: 21401 From: In a Van down by the Kern River Registered: Jul 2003
98's and later used a different technique to manufacture the fuel rails, and it hasn't been recalled yet. I believe they have a double layer ptfe or something. The 95-97's used plain nylon which is degraded by just about everything under the hood I still think the 98+'s are going to be recalled sooner or later... Plastic isn't something that should be in a pressurized FUEL rail IMO... But then, I guess I like everything overdone, and the car companies like everything "to work long enough until the warranties give out"
[This message has been edited by ryan.hess (edited 08-25-2004).]
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11:27 PM
Aug 26th, 2004
tesmith66 Member
Posts: 7355 From: Jerseyville, IL Registered: Sep 2001
Unfortunately when I told the service manager that my Northstar was mounted in the back of a 1987 Toyota MR2 all he did was laugh. He did say that the rail would cost around $120.
Do you still have the VIN number of the donor vehicle? If so, it might be worth a shot trying again (at another dealership if necessary) without mentioning that the engine been relocated.
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09:01 AM
Will Member
Posts: 14273 From: Where you least expect me Registered: Jun 2000
It'll probably be a job to convince them to let you have the fuel rail if you give them a VIN. I'm not sure what the situation as far as installation is, but since a recall is based on liability, they'll almost certainly want to install it themselves.
------------------ '87 Fiero GT: Low, Sleek, Fast, and Loud '90 Pontiac 6000 SE AWD: None of the Above
Luck, Fate and Destiny are words used by those who lack the courage to define their own future
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10:40 AM
Bill Strong Member
Posts: 106 From: Charlottesville, Virginia Registered: Jan 2004
Cool!! You got it running. Do you have the outer dimensions, or at least the year and model for that SAAB radiator?
I'll get that for you. The width is the same as the 1984-1989 mr2 radiator. The height is about 3 inches more. I honestly can't tell you the year of the SAAB I stole it from. It was a turbo... I think the same chassis that SAAB and Renault built.. the 9000 or something like that. It was not the 99 or the 900. I had to turn mine upside down to get the bleed screw it the top
------------------ Bill Strong Racing Strong Motorsports
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12:42 PM
Bill Strong Member
Posts: 106 From: Charlottesville, Virginia Registered: Jan 2004
Do you still have the VIN number of the donor vehicle? If so, it might be worth a shot trying again (at another dealership if necessary) without mentioning that the engine been relocated.
something like this will require a service technition to replace the parts. Your average Cadillac owner can't swap spark plugs let alone a fuel rail
I think the deal is that I will have to make friends at the dealership.
