Okay, just so anyone interested knows...we found the problem. It took over 20 hours and testing and/or replacing everything electronic on the car, but it turns out that between 130,000 and 140,000 miles all buick lesabres shred the timing chain. Usually at take off from a stop light. So, a peice of the timing gear was missing, causing slack. We replaced the timing chain and sprocket and the code disappeared. By the way, that entails raising the engine up, and taking it apart. A lot of work for a stupid problem. We were lucky that the car made it to 146,000 miles. Anyhow, I am fed up with Buicks and selling this one. I put $3,000 into it and can only get $1,500 out of it... nice learning experience. DON'T BUY A BUICK!!!

 

Just soz you know..
3800's have out performed many more engines in their class given the same care and regular servicing. These engines have already well established their dependability.

I will watch my 3 Buicks a little closer now..

Thanks for your input.

 

sorry noblesaint but the poeple who messed with the cam magnet should have noticed or checked your timming chain since they had it in their hand.There is no other way to replace the magnet then taking off the timming chain and timming gear.

 

Nice going Joe !
I have been in the repair field many years with all kinds of certifications and guess what? Just like you I had to learn a piece at a time and am still learning. Repairing things is not for everyone, but we don't have to remain without some knowledge of the thing that takes us from here to there. It's nice to know when you get a job you know enough not to start ,but yet you know enough so someone can't pull the wool over your eyes. Keep learning , it can be fun!!