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Cam Interrupter/Magnet Replacement Advice


Guest MercWagn

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Guest MercWagn

I am about to use Padgett's JB Weld replacement procedure for the cam interrupter. For those who have successfully used this procedure, did you use the two-part viscous liquid JB Weld, or the two-part stick/putty that must be kneaded?

Also, does removing the passenger front wheel and accessing from underneath provide any better clearance/room to work?

Thanks in advance.

Edited by MercWagn (see edit history)
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Guest MercWagn

I also assume the JB Weld should be carefully applied to the outside circumference, making sure to not get any on the base/brim area--correct?

Should I be concerned about the failed interrupter clogging up an oil pump screen, or any other unforeseen complications?

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One other bit of advice. Maybe Padgett already covered this but, the area that the JB Weld is going to be applied needs to be absolutely clean.

I've had very good results using Berryman's B-12 chemtool in the aerosol can. Can be had at your FLAPS. Careful though... it will melt plastic and is not too kind to painted surfaces.

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Guest MercWagn

Yeah, Padgett's tutorial discusses cleanliness as a necessity for a successful installation; I've used carb cleaner and a shop cloth on the end of a piece of steel fuel line to scrub and scour the area. We don't have a "FLAPS" around here, whatever that is, but I do have an utterly incompetent parts guy at AutoZone nearby who couldn't get my cam button here from another local store in the 10 hours since I ordered it (let alone answer a simple and clear question), thereby preventing me from picking it up on my way home----deep breaths----deep breaths....

A computer with a warm body behind it does not make a good parts person.

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Flaps = Friendly Local Auto Parts Store

Will admit I do obsess a bit about surface cleaning but is a lot better to take more time here than to discover a leak with everything buttoned back up.

My preferred gasket sealer is wheel bearing grease.

My preferred vendor is Amazon (now through Ronnies).

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We don't have a "FLAPS" around here, whatever that is...

Friendly Local Auto Parts Store. Sorry, as of two weeks ago I thought I was the only one here that didn't know that text speak thingy.

Now I don't feel so bad.

Auto Zone falls into the FLAPS category.

Along with the deep breaths, you need to hold your hands about shoulder height.

Make what looks like the "OK" sign with both and when exhaling, say the word Ohm mm.

A computer with a warm body behind it does not make a good parts person

I don't know if this qualifies but , I shop online, pay for it, then go pick it up at the store. Their inventory systems are linked to their websites so if you see it available on their webpage, it'll be in stock at the store.

John F.

Edited by Machiner 55 (see edit history)
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Guest MercWagn

Yes, I do prefer Amazon as a vendor for most things, when feasible. Ronnie's site has some competitive pricing on certain parts, so I definitely see the benefit there--not to mention someone who knows his Reattas.

Agree, cleanliness is something to obsess over here, being that I really don't want the magnet to leak back out:)--what a wonderfully ****-poor GM design. I've been complaining about this nonsense to friends all day today. Funny, my daily driver 90 Toyota Celica (with nearly 100,000 more miles on it) has not had anything more than regular maintenance issues---just sayin'. I've had this car about three weeks now and its one thing after another; I'm half tempted (or maybe three-quarters tempted) to get it all straightened out and throw a for sale sign in it--but it is a good looking car that handles and stops pretty nice. I find myself debating whether to keep it in the driveway.

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Guest Corvanti

My preferred vendor is Amazon (now through Ronnies).

here's the link for Ronnie's site (for those who haven't been there before):

Reatta Owners Journal - The Buick Reatta Community

buying from "The Reatta Store" adds NOTHING to your price for the part and helps keep all the other information available! the parts have been confirmed to work with our Reattae, and if someone has a problem with a part, he will delete the part from the store until the problem is resolved!

the "repair info" has helped me as much or more than the FSM (Factory Service Manual). :D

there's also a great forum there with a lot of hands on owner/"hobbyists" (for lack of a better word), that have fixed problems and share that info.

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a) does it censor French also ? Russian maybe ?

B) The design makes perfect sense to GM. The interrupter snaps in place on the sprocket in one motion, no waiting, and typically lasts for 20 years. No warrenty claims.

c) A DIY person has a different agenda, no problem waiting overnight to dry and do not start with the cam removed. OTOH they may have figured that by the time the magnet breaks off the timing chain and sprockets should be replaced anyway.

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Guest MercWagn
Friendly Local Auto Parts Store. Sorry, as of two weeks ago I thought I was the only one here that didn't know that text speak thingy.

Now I don't feel so bad.

Yeah, I'm not much for the current "text-speak thingy", I'm a bit of a stickler for spelling and grammar. I think it is more important to take the extra time to communicate properly and clearly, so I am carefell to akuritely spill and punktuate. I also despise sarcasm:D

Along with the deep breaths, you need to hold your hands about shoulder height.

Make what looks like the "OK" sign with both and when exhaling, say the word Ohm mm.

I also appreciate certain aspects of Buddhist Philosophy, yet am not a practitioner, though it would probably do me well to learn the meditative relaxation techniques--but, one must stay brushed up on their swearing skills--so there's that:D

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Guest MercWagn

Cam button is installed, now awaiting curing period. Removing the passenger front wheel and splash guard did allow a better/direct view of the cam sensor area and button/magnet placement, though I can't really see how one can "schmear" any additional JB Weld in the area/on the cam button once it is installed, unless you have tiny hands and are a contortionist. I did inspect, as good as possible, the area around the button once installed, and there is a bit of JB Weld extruded out around the edges, so hopefully there is enough there to do the job.

I must admit, I am a bit apprehensive about this. I wished I could have gotten more epoxy in there, but hopefully it'll be good. I know many of you have had success with this, and I REALLY hope I enjoy similar success.

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Guest MercWagn

Re-assembled and put about 30 miles on it thus far, without any problems. So far, it seems as if the procedure has been a success. This was an excellent time saver! I am hoping I will get similar longevity in this repair, as others have. An excellent post and procedure Padgett--gotta love creativity and ingenuity.

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