1972 Oldsmobile 88 problems
The Oldsmobile 88 (marketed from 1989 on as the Eighty Eight) is a full-size car that was sold and produced by Oldsmobile from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 until 1974, the 88 was the division's most profitable line, particularly the entry level models such as the 88 and Dynamic 88. The 88 series was also an image leader for Oldsmobile, particularly in the early years (1949–51), when it was one of the best performing automobiles, thanks to its relatively small size, light weight, and advanced overhead-valve high-compression V8 engine. This engine, originally designed for the larger C-bodied and more luxurious 98 series, also replaced the straight-8 on the smaller B-bodied 78. With the large, high performance V8, the Oldsmobile 88 is considered by some to be the first muscle car, although this title is disputed.
Naming conventions used by GM since the 1910s for all divisions used alphanumeric designations that changed every year. Starting after the war, Oldsmobile changed their designations and standardized them so that the first number signified the chassis platform, while the second number signified how many cylinders. A large number of variations in nomenclature were seen over this long model run — Super, Golden Rocket, Dynamic, Jetstar, Delta, Delmont, Starfire, Holiday, LS, LSS, Celebrity, and Royale were used at various times with the 88 badge, and Fiesta appeared on some station wagons in the 1950s and 1960s. The name was more commonly shown as numerals in the earlier years ("Delta 88", for example) and was changed to spell out "Eighty Eight" starting in 1989.
First generation (1949–1953)
Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup. The new car used the same new A-body platform as the straight-6 engined 76 but paired it with the new 303 cu in (5.0 L) Rocket V8 engine producing 135 horsepower (101 kW). This combination of a relatively small light body and large, powerful engine made it widely considered to be the first muscle car. The Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile from a somewhat staid, conservative car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) circuits.
It won six of the nine NASCAR late-model division races in 1949, 10 of 19 in 1950, 20 of 41 in 1952, and was eventually eclipsed by the low-slung, powerful Hudson Hornet, but it was still the first real "King of NASCAR." This led to increased sales to the public. There was a pent up demand for new cars in the fast-expanding post-World War II economy, and the 88 appealed to many ex-military personnel who were young and had operated powerful military equipment.
The 88 enjoyed great success, inspiring a popular 1950s slogan, "Make a Date with a Rocket 88", and also a song, "Rocket 88", often considered the first rock and roll record. Starting with the trunk-lid emblem of the 1950 model, Oldsmobile would adopt the rocket as its logo, and the 88 name would remain in the Olds lineup until the late 1990s, almost until the end of Oldsmobile itself.
The 1949 model was equipped with an ignition key and a starter push-button to engage the starter. Pushing the starter button would engage the starter, but if the ignition key was not inserted, unlocking the ignition, the car would not start. The car was equipped with an oil bath air cleaner. At the bottom edge of the front fender directly behind the front wheel was a badge that said "Futuramic" which identified an Oldsmobile approach to simplified driving, and the presence of an automatic transmission. V8 Oldsmobiles were automatic-only in 1949 as Oldsmobile lacked a manual gearbox that could handle the torque of the new engine.1948 Oldsmobile Futuramic introduction In 1950, Oldsmobile offered a modified Cadillac manual gearbox for V8 models. The 88 now outsold the six-cylinder 76 lineup, which was dropped entirely after the 1950 model year. It had a 40 ft. turning circle. Hershel McGriff and Ray Elliot with the 1950 model won the 1950 Carrera Panamericana.
For 1951, the 88 became the entry-level Olds with the discontinuation of the six-cylinder 76 line, which meant that all Oldsmobiles were powered by Rocket V8s. An in-house manual transmission replaced the modified Cadillac gearbox, but as the 1950s progressed, manual shift became increasingly rare in Oldsmobiles and normally could only be obtained by special order. New this year was the more upscale Super 88 line on the new GM B-body which included restyled rear body panels, a more luxurious interior, and a slightly longer 120 in (3,048 mm) wheelbase as opposed to the 119.5 in (3,035 mm) wheelbase which had been standard since the 88's introduction. The station wagon was discontinued and would not reappear until the 1957 model year. New was an I-beam frame. Hydraulic power windows and seats were optional.
In 1952, the base 88 shared the Super 88's rear body panels and wheelbase, and came with a Rocket V8 and two-barrel carburetor while Super 88s came with a new four-barrel carburetor upping the output to 160 hp (119 kW). Other mechanical features were unchanged with styling changes amounting to new grilles, taillights, and interior revisions. New was the optional automatic headlight control.
For 1953, the base 88 was renamed the DeLuxe 88 for only this one year while the Super 88 continued as a more upscale version. Engines and transmission offerings were the same as 1952. Late in the 1953 model year, a fire destroyed GM's Hydra-Matic plant in Livonia, Michigan, which was then the only source for Hydra-Matic transmissions. The temporary loss of Hydra-Matic production led Oldsmobile to build thousands of its 1953 models with Buick's two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmissions until GM pressed its Willow Run Transmission plant into service to resume Hydra-Matic production. New options this year included Frigidaire air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes.
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Common 1972 Oldsmobile 88 problems
The Oldsmobile 88, produced from 1949 to 1999, was a popular full-size car known for its performance and style. However, like any vehicle, it had its share of common problems, particularly in the 1972 model year. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Engine Swap Scandal: In 1977, Oldsmobile faced a scandal when it was discovered that some 1977 Delta 88 models were equipped with Chevrolet 350 engines instead of the promised Oldsmobile 350 Rocket V8s. This led to a lawsuit, as many customers had chosen the Oldsmobile based on its reputation for robustness and performance. The scandal highlighted the issue of cynical marketing and the importance of accurate information for consumers.
- Rust and Corrosion: Rust and corrosion are common problems in older vehicles, and the 1972 Oldsmobile 88 is no exception. Areas particularly susceptible to rust include the rocker panels, wheel wells, and trunk floor. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent or mitigate the effects of rust.
- Electrical Issues: Electrical problems, such as faulty wiring or blown fuses, can affect various systems in the 1972 Oldsmobile 88, including the lights, radio, and gauges. Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify and address these issues before they become more serious.
- Suspension and Steering Components: Over time, suspension and steering components, such as bushings, bearings, and tie rods, can wear out or become damaged, leading to issues with handling and ride quality. Regular inspections and replacement of worn-out parts can help maintain the vehicle's performance and safety.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission problems, such as slipping, jerking, or difficulty shifting, can occur in the 1972 Oldsmobile 88. These issues can be caused by worn-out clutch plates, a low transmission fluid level, or a faulty transmission solenoid. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these issues before they become more serious.
In summary, the 1972 Oldsmobile 88, like any vehicle, can experience a range of common problems, including fuel gauge malfunctions, engine swap scandals, rust and corrosion, electrical issues, suspension and steering component wear, and transmission problems. Regular inspections, maintenance, and timely repairs can help ensure the vehicle's longevity and performance.
What is the mpg on a 1972 Oldsmobile 88?
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 50 fuel-ups and 9,532 miles of driving, the 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88 gets a combined Avg MPG of 11.17 with a 0.35 MPG margin of error.
What year did the Oldsmobile Delta 88 come out?
And edges of the 5th gen. On. The flight line now. At your old dealer. The more radical Fastback design arrived in 1967.
Why won't my Oldsmobile Delta 88 start?
The most common reasons an Oldsmobile 88 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
How much horsepower does a 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88 have?
The new car used the same new B-body platform as the straight-6 engined 76 but paired it with the new 303ci Rocket V8 engine producing 135 horsepower. This combination of a relatively small light body and large, powerful engine made it widely considered to be the first muscle car.
Is the Oldsmobile 88 a muscle car?
In the first years of NASCAR, Oldsmobile's powerful 88 Coupe was the car to beat. In the earliest days of NASCAR racing, if a driver was winning races, chances are good that he was behind the wheel of an Oldsmobile 88 Coupe, arguably the first true American muscle car.
What is the mpg on a 1972 Oldsmobile 88?
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 50 fuel-ups and 9,532 miles of driving, the 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88 gets a combined Avg MPG of 11.17 with a 0.35 MPG margin of error.
Why is it called Oldsmobile 88?
At its debut in 1949. The 88 was slotted between a smaller 76 model and the larger 98 model the latter lasting almost as long as the 88 did the 88's 5-liter V8 engine was promoted as the rocket V8.
What is the difference between Oldsmobile 88 and Super 88?
The Oldsmobile 88 remained the entry-level model, with two- and four-door sedans, and a two-door Hollywood hardtop. The Super 88 was the mid-line model, and it added a convertible to the same lineup.
1972 Oldsmobile 88 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile 88 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1972 Oldsmobile 88 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1972 Oldsmobile 88 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1972 Oldsmobile 88.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELT BECOMES UNLATCHED WHILE DRIVING. NLM
1972 Oldsmobile 88 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1972 Oldsmobile 88.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
- Summary: THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT DRIVING ON UNPAVED ROAD SURFACES, PARTICULARLY ROADS WHICH ARE HEAVILY GRAVELED AND WHICH ARE EXTREMELY WAVY OR FILLED WITH CHUCKHOLES, AT SPEEDS WHICH CAUSE THE CAR TO PITCH EXCESSIVELY, THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER MAY SCOOP UP LOOSE STONES OR GRAVEL AND COULD BE THROWN INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ONE OF THESE STONES TO LODGE BETWEEN THE STEERING COUPLING AND THE FRAME AND CAUSE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT OR INTERFERENCE WITH STEERING CONTROL OF THE CAR WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE LEFT.
- Consequence: INCREASED STEERING EFFORT OR INTERFERENCE WITH STEERINGCONTROL MAY LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSPECT AND INSTALL SHIELD ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEATS
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1972 Oldsmobile 88 problems:
1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Convertible
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Oldsmobile 88 - Wikipedia
... Olds began marketing the line as a separate series known as the Delta 88. ... 1972 edit. 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Holiday hardtop coupe ... problems. The ...
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