Camshaft position sensor

Subject: Camshaft position sensor Fri Mar 30, 2007 8:58 pm

So, My SES is on, and has been on for a while.

It's the Camshaft Position Sensor.

1. I replaced the sensor.
2. Replaced the Water pump, because it was growling A LOT.
3. SES still on, I checked the wiring to the ECM and back, it was okay.
4. my mechanic checked it over and said that it was missing the magnet on the cam gear. He said he turned the car 360* and felt all over the gear where the sensor and magnet are supposed to contact.

WTF? He said it would be no big deal to run with out it. What do you guys think?

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1991 Buick Riviera
3800 Series I (L27) 3.8L V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
4-AT 440-T4

Subject: Re: Camshaft position sensor Fri Mar 30, 2007 10:19 pm

o.k. i had a bad camshaft position sensor and it turned out to be the plugs and wires JUST What happend to me

_________________
1.9RR's, SSAC, LQ4 maf and N*, Gen V-ported, L32 LIM ported and polished, L26 block, L67 heads, tune, E85, 65# injectors
Worthy quotes:

Rickw wrote:

What a dipshit, grow up.

deekster_caddy wrote:

LOL @ guessing Rick's age. Since we've gotten together a couple of times I won't guess wink

he'd probably hit me

Subject: Re: Camshaft position sensor Fri Oct 03, 2008 10:33 am

I had the same problem with a 92 Olds 88. It turned out to be a little magnet placed on the cam gear itself that broke and caused the SES to come on. I went ahead and replaced the Timing chain and gear set and also replaced the broken part. The SES turned off. BTW, I drove the car for almost 2 years with the part broken. So, driving without it will NOT hurt the motor at all! Hope this works!

Subject: Re: Camshaft position sensor Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:43 pm

if the ECU does not get a cam signal but is getting the crank signal (and I think certain other ones) it calculates cam position (this is made plausible because the timing is chain-driven not belt-driven).

Cam sensors are not all that expensive, why not just replace it before the weather's no longer good to work outside?

Albertj

Subject: Re: Camshaft position sensor Fri Oct 03, 2008 5:53 pm

When I had my '89 Riviera, I had the same thing happen to it after owning it for about 5 years. The magnet was no longer on the camshaft sprocket. I must say that I really didn't feel like tearing into the front of the engine and replacing parts. (OK I admit, for a mechanic (diesel R&E), I'm lazy when it comes to my cars...unless it really is necessary.)
I'm not proud of it, but I drove the car that way for over 2 years with the SES light on. I had slightly reduced fuel mileage (talking about 1 to 2 MPG in the city), but for as little as I drove the car anyway, it did not concern me too much. After all, I was eventually going to get around to replacing the failed parts, but it looks like that never came. Traded it in with the purchase of my '99. O well.

From researching back when I owned the '89, I seem to remember that the camshaft position circuit is basically signal for the Sequential Injection. Since mine was out, it could only fire Batch. I'm speculating that this had to do with my slight drop in fuel mileage around town. On the interstate or highway it still was capable of 28 to 30 MPG just as before.

Cheers

_________________
'99 Riviera, 69k miles, that dark blue color.
Mods: Gutted air box, 180 t-stat, Autolite 104's, Coated Plog and crossover, 3" Hogan DP and high-flow cat., 1.8 YT rocker kit, STS front STB, front - KYB GR-2's, rear - Monroe air shocks.
Up-coming: Looking into why it still has KR. On the fence for a HPTuners purchase.

Subject: Re: Camshaft position sensor Fri Oct 03, 2008 6:18 pm

albertj wrote:

if the ECU does not get a cam signal but is getting the crank signal (and I think certain other ones) it calculates cam position (this is made plausible because the timing is chain-driven not belt-driven).

Cam sensors are not all that expensive, why not just replace it before the weather's no longer good to work outside?

Albertj

He said they did replace the sensor...

I would say it's okay to drive, as long as you don't go for any kind of performance driving. If you must leave it that way, take the SC belt off IMO.

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'98 Buick Riviera; Gen V 3.25 pulley, N*, VS Cam, 180 stat, Custom PCM (Powrtuner), headers & HF cat , 42.5 lb inj.

Grant-built/PRJ/Thrasher trans 3.29 gears, 7/8 chain, zzp hardened IS

Subject: Re: Camshaft position sensor Sat Oct 04, 2008 9:37 am

Quote:

I would say it's okay to drive, as long as you don't go for any kind of performance driving. If you must leave it that way, take the SC belt off IMO.

The original poster's signature does not show the option of a supercharger.

My '89 still ran fine. The only little thing I noticed besides the slight drop in MPG was that the engine ran just slightly a little more rough at idle, and just off idle.

_________________
'99 Riviera, 69k miles, that dark blue color.
Mods: Gutted air box, 180 t-stat, Autolite 104's, Coated Plog and crossover, 3" Hogan DP and high-flow cat., 1.8 YT rocker kit, STS front STB, front - KYB GR-2's, rear - Monroe air shocks.
Up-coming: Looking into why it still has KR. On the fence for a HPTuners purchase.

Subject: Re: Camshaft position sensor Sat Oct 04, 2008 6:04 pm

Oh whoops, I didn't even notice he has a '91. My bad. Anyway, should be okay.

_________________
'98 Buick Riviera; Gen V 3.25 pulley, N*, VS Cam, 180 stat, Custom PCM (Powrtuner), headers & HF cat , 42.5 lb inj.

Grant-built/PRJ/Thrasher trans 3.29 gears, 7/8 chain, zzp hardened IS

Subject: Re: Camshaft position sensor Sat Oct 04, 2008 11:16 pm

Oh - sorry about the sensor comment.

If you can get to the spot, use engine cleaner on a q-tip to clean a place to glue on another magnet, then use a hi temp repair epoxy to stick it on. You can check polarity by asking a mechanic at a dealer or with a small compass as a junkyard, on a different 3800 (should not be hard to find one).

Albertj