1986 Cadillac history

All-new Eldorado and Seville models entered the lineup for 1986, loaded with a diagnostic system and electronic instruments. Anti-lock braking was a new option on Fleetwood and DeVille. All Cadillacs were now front-wheel drive except the big Brougham, which hung on for another year with a 5.0 liter V-8 under the hood.

Luxury touches promoted in the full-line catalog ranged from golden ignition keys all the way to elegant option packages, to deliver "the feeling of uncompromising excellence." In keeping with that promise, diesel engines departed from the Cadillac option list, victims of lack of interest and an unimpressive reliability record.

The HT 4100 V-8 added stainless steel exhaust manifolds. Door locks had new rocker switches. Floor consoles contained an ashtray that opened at a finger's touch. And to keep up with the times, a cellular telephone ("discreetly" positioned in a fold-down armrest) joined the option list. To attract buyers who preferred good handling to a cushy ride, DeVilles could also get a Touring Coupe or Touring Sedan option with stiffer suspension and related extras.

Over 40 body colors were available, including nine Firemist shades and two Pearlmist (black cherry or black emerald) that changed character according to the angle and intensity of sunlight striking the car's surface.

V.I.N. DATA

Cadillacs again had a 17-symbol Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), stamped on a metal tag attached to the upper left surface of the cowl, visible through the windshield. Coding changed to reflect the new front-drive models.
The first number is a "1" to indicate the manufacturing country (U.S.A.)
The second character is a "G" for General Motors
The third is a "6" for Cadillac Division
Symbol four is the car line (GM body):
- "J" = Cimarron
- "K" = Seville
- "C" = Deville/Fleetwood
- "D" = Brougham
- "E" = Eldorado
Symbol five indicates series:
- "G" = Cimarron
- "S" = Seville
- "D" = DeVille
- "B" = Fleetwood
- "H" = Fleetwood limousine
- "W" = Fleetwood Brougham (rear drive)
- "L" = Eldorado
Digits six and seven indicate body type:
- "47" = 2-dr. coupe
- "69" = 4-dr. sedan
- "23" = eight passenger limousine
- "33" = formal limousine
- "57" = Eldorado coupe
Next is the engine code:
- "P" = L4-121 TBI
- "W" = V6-173 FI
- "8" = V8-249 DFI
- "Y" = V8-307 4Bbl.
The next symbol is a check digit.
Symbol ten indicates model year ("G" = 1986)
Next is a code for assembly plant:
- "9" = Detroit
- "E" = Linden, NJ
- "J" = Janesville, WI.
Finally comes a six-digit production sequence number
- starting with 000001 for Detroit built cars
- 400001 for Janesville
- 600001 for Linden (E-body)
- 800001 for Linden (K-body)
An identifying number is also on the engine, and a set of codes on a body number plate.

SPECIFICATIONS

FLUID CAPACITIES

Engine	V8 250cc (4.1L)	V8 307cc (5.0L)
Crankcase	5 qt	4 qt
Crankcase with new filter	5 qt	5
AutomaticTransmission after draining	13 pt	10.6 pt
Drive Axle	NA	3.6 pt
Fuel tank	18.0 gal(US)	24.5 gal(US)
Cooling with heater	12.6 qt	15.3 qt
Cooling with A/C	12.6 qt	15.3 qt
Heavy duty Cooling	NA	NA

GASOLINE ENGINE TUNE-UP SPECS

Engine V.I.N Code	8	Y
Engine type	V8-250cc (4.1L)	V8-307cc (5.0L)
Fuel delivery	DFI	4 bbl
Manufacturer	Cadillac	Oldsmobile
Original Spark plug	R42CLTS6	FR3LS6
Gap	0.060 in.	0.060 in.
Distributor	Electronic	Electronic
Ignition timing (BTDC)	See underhood sticker	See underhood sticker
Intake valve opens (BTDC)	See underhood sticker	See underhood sticker
Fuel pump pressure	12-14	5½-6½
Idle speed	See underhood sticker	See underhood sticker

ALTERNATOR AND REGULATOR SPECS

Part #	1105493	1105572	1105657
Field current @ 12 V	4-4.5	4-4.5	4-4.5
Output	94 amps	94 amps	120 amps
Regulator	Solid state	Solid state	Solid state
Volts @ 75°	13.8-14.8	13.8-14.8	13.8-14.8

BATTERY AND STARTER SPECS

Engine	V8-250cc (4.1L)	V8-307cc (5.0L)
Battery Ampere Hour Capacity	540 amps cold cranking power @ 0°F
Battery Volts	12	12
Battery Terminal Grounded	Neg.	Neg.
Starter, Lock Test, Amps	Not Recommended
Starter, Lock Test, Volts
Starter, Lock Test, Torque
Starter, No-Lead Test, Amps	65-95	65-95
Starter, No-Lead Test, Volts	9	9
Starter, No-Lead Test, RPM	7000-10500	7000-10500
Starter, Brush Spring Tension	35 oz. min.	35 oz. min.

GENERAL ENGINE SPECS

Engine V.I.N Code	8	Y
Engine type	V8-250cc(4.1L)	V8-307cc(5.0L)
Manufacturer	Cadillac	Oldsmobile
Fuel delivery	DFI	Diesel
Horsepower	130@4200	140@3200
Torque	200@2200	198@2000
Bore x Stoke	3.465 x 3.307	3.800 x 3.385
Compression Ratio	9.1:1	7.9:1
Oil pressure	30 psi	30 psi

CRANKSHAFT SPECS

Engine type	V8-250cc(4.1L)	V8-307cc(5.0L)
Main Brg Journal Dia.	2.640	2.4988-2.4998 (No. 2, 3, 4, 5: 2.4985-2.4995)
Main Brg Oil Clearance	0.0004-0.0027	0.0005-0.0021 (No. 5: 0.0015-0.0031)
Shaft End-play	0.001-0.007	0.0035-0.0135
Thrust on No.	3	3

CONNECTING ROD SPECS

Engine type	V8-250cc(4.1L)	V8-307cc(5.0L)
Journal Dia.	2.052-2.054	2.1238-2.1248
Oil Clearance	0.0005-0.0028	0.0004-0.0033
Side Clearance	0.008-0.020	0.006-0.020

PISTON AND RING SPECS

Engine type	V8-250cc(4.1L)	V8-307cc(5.0L)
Piston-Bore Clearance	0.0008	0.0008-0.0018
Ring Side Clearance: Top Compression	0.0016-0.0037	0.0020-0.0040
Ring Side Clearance: Bottom Compression	0.0016-0.0037	0.0020-0.0040
Ring Side Clearance: Oil Control	None (side sealing)	0.0010-0.0050
Ring Gap: Top Compression	0.015-0.025	0.009-0.019 (with TRW rings: 0.010-0.025)
Ring Gap: Bottom Compression	0.015-0.025	0.009-0.019 (with TRW rings: 0.010-0.025)
Ring Gap: Oil Control	0.010-0.050	0.015-0.055

VALVE SPECS

Engine type	V8-250cc(4.1L)	V8-307cc(5.0L)
Seat Angle	45°	45° (exhaust: 60°)
Face Angle	44°	46° (exhaust: 59°)
Spring Test Pressure	167 lb @ 1.34"	187 lb @ 1.27"
Spring Installed Height	1-43/64"	1-47/64"
Stem-to-Guide Clearance: Intake	0.0010-0.0030	0.0010-0.0027
Stem-to-Guide Clearance: Exhaust	0.0010-0.0030	0.0015-0.0032
Stem Diameter: Intake	0.3413-0.3420	0.3425-0.3432
Stem Diameter: Exhaust	0.3411-0.3418	0.3420-0.3427

TORQUE SPECS

Engine type	V8-250cc(4.1L)	V8-307cc(5.0L)
Cyl. Head Bolts	90 ft.lb	125 ft. lb
Rod Brg Bolts	22 ft.lb	42 ft. lb
Main Brg Bolts	85 ft.lb	80 ft. lb (Rear main: 120)
Crankshaft Damper or Pulley Bolt	Press fit	200-310 ft. lb
Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts	37 ft.lb	60 ft. lb
Intake Manifold		40 ft. lb
Exhaust Manifold	18 ft.lb	25 ft. lb

CARBURETOR SPECS

Carb ID	17086008 (E4MC)	17086008 (E4MC)
Float Level	¹¹⁄₃₂ in.	14/32 in
Air Valve Spring	1/2 turn	1/2 turn
Pump Rod	fixed	fixed
Primary Vacuum Break	0.142 in/25°	0.142 in/25°
Secondary Vacuum Break	0.278 in/43°	0.278 in/43°
Choke Rod	14°	14°
Choke Unloader	0.220 in/35°	0.220 in/35°
Fast Idle Speed	See underhood decal

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECS

Feature	Eldorado	Full size	Seville
Caster Range	1½°P-3½°P	3½°P-4½°P	1½°P-3½°P
Caster Pref.	2½°P	4°P	2½°P
Camber LH wheel Range	½°N to ½°P	3/32°P to 57/64°P	½°N to ½°P
Camber LH wheel Pref.	0°	½°	0°
Camber RH wheel Range	½°N to ½°P	3/32°P to 57/64°P	½°N to ½°P
Camber RH wheel Pref.	0°	½°	0°
Toe-In	1/5 in to 1/5 out	¹⁄₈ in.	1/5 in to 1/5 out
Steering Axis Inclination	11°	10-19/32°	11°

HISTORICAL NOTES

1986 Cadillac Notes

Introduced: September 26, 1985 except Eldorado/Seville, November 14, 1985; Fleetwood Brougham, February 13. 1986
John O. Grettenberger was general manager
Warren D. Hirschfield was chief engineer
Wayne Kady was chief designer (Cadillac Studio) until December
Richard Ruzzin became chief designer (Cadillac Studio) in December
L. B. Pryor was general sales manager until August
Peter R. Gerosa became general sales manager in August
Model year production: 281,296, including 3,628 with four-cylinder engine and 20,906 with V-6, for a 3.6 percent share of the industry total
Calendar year production: 319,031
Calendar year sales by U.S. dealers: 304,657
Model year sales by U.S. dealers: 300,053 for a 3.8 percent market share.
Cadillac sales dropped a bit for the second year in a row, barely edging over 300,000, but that was enough to retain dominance among makers of luxury cars
E-body Eldorado production began at the new Hamtramck, Michigan plant in late 1985, but delays kept output below peak levels
As a result, Eldorado and Seville sales dropped by half
The rear-drive Fleetwood Brougham enjoyed a comeback of sorts, due to low gasoline prices and its upgraded V-8 engine
Front-drive DeVilles and Fleetwoods also gained in sales for the second year
Cimarron rose as well, but not by much
Cadillac clung to hopes that Cimarron would gain strength against new imports, such as Acura Legend, despite complaints that it was little more than a fancy Cavalier
At the upper end of the scale, the future held a new ultra-luxurious two-seater Allante, due out for 1987

Cadillac production figures

Cimarron	...	24,534	... increased 4,644
Fleetwood/de Ville series	...	215,709	... decreased 15,997
Eldorado	...	21,342	... decreased 55,059
Seville	...	19,098	... decreased 20,657
Series 75	...	1,000	... increased 595

1986 Automotive Notes

F. James McDonald was president of GM
Roger B. Smith was chairman of the board at GM
Top model year production for 1986