Cam Position Sensor on 91 Park Ave, Need some help

Recently I got the check engine soon light on a 91 Buick Park Ave 3.8 L
VIN Series. I checked the trouble codes and 41 came up along with 31
(Park/Neutral Switch), but thats a different story. Anyhow, I went to a
local junkyard and found the sensor I needed. Right after I replaced
the sensor, I reset the computer's memory and started the car. Sure
enough I got the check engine light again, and it was code 41 again too.

I decided to check where the sensor is placed and I found this...

http://img72.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img72&image=img18978bo.jpg

Now im not sure if the picture shows everything to be correct, but to me
it appears as if some pieces have broken off. Can some one that has
seen what the cam shaft position sensor placement looks give me some
light on this. Perhaps some other GM models may have the same
components as well. Thank you.

Vic

What your seeing in the photo you posted is the Cam Interupter Magnet.
It supplies the magnet impulses that are delivered to the Cam Shaft
sensor which relays back to the computer. If there is no signal it will
trip code 41.

More than likely your 14 year old Cam Interupter Magnet is broken off as
well.

You can remove the cam sensor and bump your engine till the Interupter
comes into view in the hole in the timing cover. You'll need a mirror &
strong flashlight to see it. Tey run about $9.00 at the dealer and are
no bigger than a a stack of 3 nickels.

Replacing the Interupter is a job, you got to pull the harmonic balancer
and timing cover off and the timing chain assembly has to come out as
well. The Cam Interupter presses in from the backside of the upper
timing spocket.

I just had mine replaced last Spetember. I didn't see the need for a new
timing chain set but got one anyway. The old one looked fine despite my
high mileage.

There is a nylon timing chain tensioner you should replace seeing its
apart, that usually has a big wear mark in it from riding against the
timing chain.

No More code 41 for me

Good Luck.

=========
Harryface
=========

1991 Pontiac Bonneville LE
3800 V6 ( C ), Black/Slate Grey
_~_~_~297,688 miles_~_~_

~_~_~_~_U.S.A._~_~_~_~_~_

~~~The Former Fleet ~~~
89 Cavalier Z 24 convertible
78 Holiday 88 coupe
68 LeSabre convertible
73 Impala sedan