Questions and Answers
Yanking My Chain?
Q. Nice page on autorepair.about.com! I have an old trusty 89 Buick LeSabre with 3800 engine that has suddenly started having problems. The car has 140K miles on it and I like to think that I have taken reasonably good care of it, but it has been operated primarily in Houston Texas during extreme heat and stop and go traffic, which as you know is really tough work on cars.
Anyhow... my most pressing problem is one that is simple but expensive. The interrupter magnet on the camshaft sprocket has departed. So I have no camshaft info going to the computer at all. I have two estimates that involve removing the timing chain cover, replacing the chain, sprockets, magnet, gaskets and related fluids for $450.00 Although I do not mind spending the money if the job really needs doing, it grates on me to do this for the absence of a $6.00 magnet.
So here's really the total question:
1. Should I just drive the thing the way it is and quit worrying about the sensor at all?
2. Is there a way to replace the interrupter magnet without removing the timing chain cover?
3. Does the chain, sprocket, etc really need replacement along with the magnet?Thanks for any and all advice you'd like to offer.
JimA. Thank you Jim. I'm trying hard to make it the best place to go to if you have problem with a car.
Well, that magnet is there for a reason Jim. The computer needs that signal for crankshaft and camshaft timing, so I would have it replaced. If I was estimating the job, I would recommend the same items you were quoted. You're putting in a new camshaft gear so it would make sense to replace the crankshaft gear and chain at the same time. In fact, the gears and chain come in sets with the associated gaskets and seals. After 140,000 miles, that chain has stretches and the gears are worn. If you decide to do the job, then do it the right way. No sense replacing a gear today and having the chain snap in two or three months and have to do the job all over again.
