PICKUP BEHIND HARMONIC BALANCER

[piper7738w]

What is the pick up behind the harmonic balancer used for? I broke it off taking off the balancer. Also broke off the bracket that holds it.Can I run the engine with the pickup off?

[Guest F14CRAZY]

That's the crankshaft position sensor. From my testing, it won't start without it

[piper7738w]

Are the sensors available from Buick or Advanced Auto? How about the bracket that holds it?

[padgett]

Both are available (best to buy as a unit), same as millions of other 3800 powered cars. Do need to be careful in installation to get proper clearance on rings on balancer.

[Guest F14CRAZY]

I got mine from Advance. It comes with a new bracket

[Machiner 55]

Three Eight Wiskey, [color:\\"red\\"] See attachment.

[piper7738w]

Thank you all. Found the pickup and bracket at Advanced Auto. Installed and car is running fine with new harmomic balancer. Idler pulley noise is gone.Slight oil leak a seal behind balancer, could not locate new seal. Will try other parts stores.

[Guest F14CRAZY]

Good ot hear you got it figured out

[Guest Greg Ross]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Slight oil leak a seal behind balancer, could not locate new seal. </div></div>

You'd be looking for a front crankshaft seal for the front engine cover. Pretty substantial job to do just for the seal. If you're going in there, how many clicks on that engine, might just be time to replace the timing chain/ tensioner/ sproket(s)

To get to this seal you have to strip everything off the front of the block-accessory stuff-alternator, water pump, mounting brackets, etc. You'd also need the front cover gasket set. Unless it's a major leak( qt. per 500 or so) leave it until you're ready to tackle the timing set. Thats' a recommended service interval of about 100K miles. Would guess a shop(not a GM Dealer) would charge you in the neighborhood of $500. to do the whole deal or you could do it yourself for less then $200.

[manikmekanik]

I recently had a local Buick dealer's shop give me an estimate on replacing a Reatta timing set. They said replacement of a cam magnet (E041 code) warrants replacement of the entire timing set! Estimate was $750, for labor @ $75/hour, plus timing set, gasket set and new sensors! Total cost of service would've been over $900!!!

I replaced the cam sensor myself for $28, in less than an hour. Problem solved.

Lesson learned - If it ain't broke, fix what IS!

[Guest F14CRAZY]

GM dealers cannot use JB weld and Dremels in their repairs, but can use fishing line?