1981 Oldsmobile 98 problems
The Oldsmobile 98 (spelled Ninety-Eight from 1952 to 1991, and Ninety Eight from 1992 to 1996) is the full-size flagship model of Oldsmobile that was produced from 1940 until 1942, and then from 1946 to 1996. The name – reflecting a "Series 90" fitted with an 8-cylinder engine – first appeared in 1941 and was used again after American consumer automobile production resumed post-World War II. It was, as it would remain, the division's top-of-the-line model, with lesser Oldsmobiles having lower numbers such as the A-body 66 and 68, and the B-body 76 and 78. The Series 60 was retired in 1949, the same year the Oldsmobile 78 was replaced by the 88. The Oldsmobile 76 was retired after 1950. This left the two remaining number-names to carry on into the 1990s as the bread and butter of the full-size Oldsmobile lineup until the Eighty Eight-based Regency replaced the 98 in 1997.
Occasionally additional nomenclature was used with the name, such as L/S and Holiday, and the 98 Regency badge would become increasingly common in the later years of the model. The 98 shared its General Motors C-body platform with Buick and Cadillac.
Since it was the top-line Oldsmobile, the series had the most technologically advanced items available, such as the Hydramatic automatic transmission, the Autronic Eye, an automatic headlight dimmer, and Twilight Sentinel (a feature that automatically turned the headlights on and off via a light sensor and a delay timer, as controlled by the driver), and the highest-grade interior and exterior trim.
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Common 1981 Oldsmobile 98 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1981 Oldsmobile 98, several common problems were reported:
- Lack of Water Separator: General Motors decided not to install a water separator in the diesel engine to reduce costs. This decision, combined with low-quality diesel fuel prevalent at the time, led to injector pump issues and other fuel system problems.
- Fuel Pump Seal Damage: Owners attempted to address water in the fuel by adding anhydrous alcohol, which ended up dissolving fuel pump seals and causing further damage to the fuel system components.
- Stretchy Fuel-Pump Timing Chain: While a minor issue compared to others, the stretchy fuel-pump timing chain was reported as a problem in the 1981 Oldsmobile 98 diesel models.
- Poor Dealer Service Training: The lack of adequate training for dealers in addressing the diesel engine problems exacerbated the issues faced by owners, leading to ineffective repairs and unresolved issues.
- Reputation Damage: Despite General Motors implementing several redesigns to address the engine's flaws, by the time the engine became more reliable, the damage to its reputation had already been done. This tarnished reputation contributed to the discontinuation of the diesel engine after the 1985 model year.
These problems collectively contributed to the negative experience of owners with the 1981 Oldsmobile 98 diesel models, highlighting significant design and reliability issues that plagued these vehicles during their time on the road.
What does the 98 in Oldsmobile mean?
In 1941 both engines were offered on each series so to differentiate between the two the second digit was used to denote the number of cylinders, so the Custom Cruiser 90 was replaced with the Custom Cruiser 96 and 98. In 1942 Oldsmobile dropped the six cylinder Series 90 model leaving only the Custom Cruiser 98.
What was the last year of the Oldsmobile 98?
But personally, I feel like Oldsmobile died when they discontinued the 98 in 1996, as it was the last one to carry the torch lit by the brand in its mid-century heyday—big, American cars that transported us in comfort and style.
Why wont my Oldsmobile 98 start?
The most common reasons an Oldsmobile 98 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
How many miles per gallon does a 1972 Oldsmobile 98 get?
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 17 fuel-ups and 1,584 miles of driving, the 1972 Oldsmobile 98 gets a combined Avg MPG of 8.94 with a 0.92 MPG margin of error.
What does the 98 in Oldsmobile mean?
In 1941 both engines were offered on each series so to differentiate between the two the second digit was used to denote the number of cylinders, so the Custom Cruiser 90 was replaced with the Custom Cruiser 96 and 98. In 1942 Oldsmobile dropped the six cylinder Series 90 model leaving only the Custom Cruiser 98.
Why wont my Oldsmobile 98 start?
The most common reasons an Oldsmobile 98 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
How much is an Oldsmobile 98 worth?
A: The lowest recorded sale price was $1,000 for a 1973 Oldsmobile 98 on Aug 27 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile 98? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile 98 is $35,073.
How much horsepower did the 1971 Olds 98 have?
320 hp
'71 Ninety-Eights rode a 127-inch wheelbase and had a generous overall length, at 226.1-inch. Power was ample, with the 455-cu-in V-8, backed by Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission. Power was 320 hp at 4400 rpm, breathing through a Rochester 4MC four-barrel carburetor.
1981 Oldsmobile 98 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile 98 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
- Electrical system problems
- Equipment problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Oldsmobile 98 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Oldsmobile 98 complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Oldsmobile 98.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-21
- VIN: 1G3AX69Y0BM
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FIRESTONE TIRE WAS 2 YEARS OLD, BUT UNUSED (SPARE TIRE). PUT ON RIGHT FRONT OF CAR BEFORE TRIP. DRIVEN 200 MILES AT 70MPH (ON I 75 SOUTH NEAR GAINESVILLE, FL) IN 95 DEGREE TEMPERATURE WHEN TREAD CAME OFF RIGHT FRONT TIRE. TIRE WAS STILL FULLY PRESSURIZED, JUST HAD NO TREAD. TREAD COMING OFF CAR LEFT BLACK RUBBER MARKS ACROSS PAINT ON FRONT FENDER AND TORE OFF PIECE OF CHROME (NEITHER CURRENTLY REPAIRED). FHP STOPPED AND INDICATED A NEARBY EXIT. DROVE VERY SLOWLY TO EXIT AND CHANGED TIRE. RETURNED HOME AND REPLACED TIRE. DID NOT REQUEST REFUND AS DAMAGED TIRE HAD NO TREAD REMAINING.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P21575R15 )
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-09
- VIN: 1G3AX374XBM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DISTRIBUTOR FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-09
- VIN: 1G3AX374XBM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MAP SENSOR FAILED.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-09
- VIN: 1G3AX374XBM
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER HOSES FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-01-01
- VIN: 1G3AX374XBM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE HEADS LEAK ANTIFREEZE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-09
- VIN: 1G3AX374XBM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTOR IN FOUR BARREL CARBURETOR FAILED TWICE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-09
- VIN: 1G3AX374XBM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1981 Oldsmobile 98 problems:
Q&A: 1995 Oldsmobile 98 Regency - Get Expert Answers on Your ...
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Jan 12, 2010 ... 1987 Olds 98 Regency starts & stalls sometimes. Engine only has half power. Problem came on suddenly was running fine prior.
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Oct 31, 2014 ... As Oldsmobile's lesser full-size sedan, the 88's loose pillow seating was a bit less opulent than the Ninety-Eight Regency's. While seat bottoms ...
200-4R transmission troubles. - ClassicOldsmobile.com
May 23, 2009 ... Is this a common failure mode of transmissions - "pop goes the front seal"?? ... · 1982-'90 Chevrolet Impala, Caprice, Olds Delta 88, 98 ... · 1981 ...
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