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My new 1989 Buick Reatta


MarkV

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So, here it is! I had to wash it 4 times and polish it twice. I scrubbed the interior and carpets.

I have replaced the following:

Belt

Alternator

Battery

changed the oil

fixed the radiator overflow

changed the air filter

filled up the brakes

I have the accumulator on order, should I also replace the pressure sensor as well? So, far the only issue that has arisen was that there was a little bit of moisture in the oil. There is no white exhaust except on early morning start up, and the car runs fine with no loss of oil or coolant. I know that the motor oil has not been changed in several years and it was down by the beach. I also vigorously cleaned the engine and perhaps a bit of water got into the filler. When the guy told me I looked at it and it did not look like anything but oil. So, I am going to wait a month and change the oil again and see what comes of it. If anything it is probably the head gasket, but the 3800 typically does not have this problem especially at 107k (I have owned 5 of them). It also has no problem with overheating, etc. It is giving me no warnings on the dash during normal operation (with the exception of the ac which is low). It is giving me a pressure warning on the oil at morning startup only. However when I check the gage it is registering at 40-50 psi.

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Guest Mc_Reatta

With the lack of care the PO gave her, I'd suggest you flush and refill the brake fluid while your at it.

Are you sure the oil warning is for pressure and not level? Could be your down some or the sensor isn't oriented properly.

If that MPG value doesn't come up some after reasonable driving might want to check into O2 sensor too.

Edited by Mc_Reatta (see edit history)
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Yes I guess it is for level, and the level is fine! So, it is probably the sensor as you suggest! The MPG did come up yesterday, I had to however, unplug the battery and plug it back in because the aftermarket alarm freaked out! So, that is only representative of less than a quarter of yesterday's driving including hills. However, I am going to replace the O2 and I will have the brake fluid flushed once the accumulator comes in the mail. Should I replace the pressure switch as well?

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.... Should I replace the pressure switch as well?

If it works, no need to fix it. You could unplug the electrical connector on it and look for brake fluid. If there is any hint of brake fluid in there, then the switch should be replaced.

The car looks good!

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Yes it was. There is a bit of paint chipped off of the rear by the license plate and it too is blue. I looked at the frame and there is no damage. I think it probably needed painting and whoever had it at the time wanted white. The paint looks old but it looks pretty good.

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Guest Mc_Reatta
Yes I guess it is for level, and the level is fine! So, it is probably the sensor as you suggest!

Should I replace the pressure switch as well?

The rectangular recess shown at the lower right of the oval connector recess should be sitting level left to right and above the connector recess when properly oriented in the front of the oil pan. Your sensor will be a saddle color not black. It is sealed by an o-ring so there may be enough play to rotate a little bit. Otherwise might have to replace with a new one or use sealant.

I wouldn't mess with the brake pressure switch at this time.

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