1979 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 1979 Oldsmobile 88 problems
Based on the information gathered from various sources about the 1979 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale, here is a list of common problems reported by owners of this car:
- Carburetor Rebuilds: Complaints include the necessity for carburetor rebuilds, which could affect the engine's performance and fuel efficiency.
- Water Pump Issues: Some owners have experienced problems with the water pump, which is crucial for the engine's cooling system.
- Fuel Pump Malfunctions: Fuel pump issues have been reported, impacting the car's ability to deliver fuel to the engine efficiently.
- A/C Compressor Failures: Several instances of A/C compressor failures have been noted, affecting the car's air conditioning system.
- Radiator Problems: Radiator issues have been mentioned, which could lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly.
These reported problems highlight various areas of concern in the 1979 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale, ranging from essential components like brakes and engine parts to comfort features like the air conditioning system. Addressing these issues promptly and ensuring regular maintenance can help maintain the car's performance and longevity.
What size engine is in a 1979 Oldsmobile Delta 88?
Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Town Sedan 5.7 V8 Hydra-Matic, 162hp, 1979.
How much is an Oldsmobile 88 worth?
Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Oldsmobile 88? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $770 for a 1950 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe on Oct 14 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile 88? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile 88 is $34,231.
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 does 88 mean in Oldsmobile?
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.
What size engine is in a 1979 Oldsmobile Delta 88?
Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Town Sedan 5.7 V8 Hydra-Matic, 162hp, 1979.
How much is an Oldsmobile 88 worth?
Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Oldsmobile 88? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $770 for a 1950 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe on Oct 14 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile 88? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile 88 is $34,231.
What does 88 mean in Oldsmobile?
Introduced in 1949, the Oldsmobile 88 was the automaker's mid-range model, nicer and more powerful than the base Olds 76, but not as elegant as the top-of-the-line Olds 98.
Why did the Oldsmobile diesel V8 fail?
This led to catastrophic head bolt failures as diesel engines have compression ratios that are as much as three times higher than a gasoline engine. In addition to the head bolt issues, General Motors also decided not to install a water separator in order to cut costs.
1979 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:
- Child seat problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Oldsmobile 88 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1979 Oldsmobile 88 complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Oldsmobile 88.
CHILD SEAT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: CHILD SEAT
- Summary: I WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO KEEP MY DAUGHTER SAFE, SHE IS OVER 40 POUNDS BUT CAN NOT USE A BOOSTER BECAUSE THE BACK SEAT DOES NOT HAVE SHOULDER BELTS? SHOULD I PUT HER IN THE FRONT? THEY SAY THAT IS NOT SAFE EITHER. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-01
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRES (ULTRA SUPREME 770) DO NOT STOP VEHICLE, SKIDS.
1979 Oldsmobile 88 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1979 Oldsmobile 88.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: THE HEADS MAY BREAK OFF THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION EVEN UNDER NO LOAD CONDITIONS. THIS IS DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF BOLTS USED, HIGH INSTALLATION TORQUE AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE BODY ANCHORAGE.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES". THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH GASOLINE FUEL HOSES IN PLACE OF THE VACUUM HOSE BETWEEN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND CARBON CANISTER IN THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM LINE. SHOULD THIS HOSE RUPTURE, IT WOULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER ASSIST TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS WOULD INCREASE THE DISTANCE REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE INCORRECT HOSE WITH THE CORRECT VACUUM HOSE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
- Summary: A GASKET WAS MISTAKENLY PLACED BETWEEN THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE POWER BOOST WHICH PREVENTED THE TWO PARTS FROM FITTING TOGETHER PROPERLY. DAMAGE MAY HAVE RESULTED TO THE MOUNTING EARS OF THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE HYDRO-BOOST. THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FAILURE.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A NEW BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND HYDRO-BOOST UNIT, FREE OF CHARGE, ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1979 Oldsmobile 88 problems:
No spark - ClassicOldsmobile.com
Apr 2, 2010 ... ... olds cutlass and the motor is a 403 from a 1979 delta 88. ... common problem..... Most important check for ... Old thread similar problems. Quote ...
Considering purchasing: 1979 Oldsmobile Delta 88, 350 diesel : r ...
Mar 16, 2023 ... It's common on older cars/trucks but I'd just temper your expectations with that engine. I think after you drive it you'll understand.
delta 88 headlight issues - ClassicOldsmobile.com
Oct 25, 2016 ... Electrical - delta 88 headlight issues - my 72 delta 88 the dimmer controls power to all 4 lights I click the dimmer off it shuts off all my ...
Oldsmobile 88 Problems and Complaints - 27 Issues
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