Great info JR. I need to get a scan tool someday and learn how to use it proper. I want to get after the 86 Riv this winter. It was another "throw parts" at it car that the previous original owner gave up on. This Riv seems to have a intermintant wiring problem to the fuel pump somehow though. There is power at the pump terminal at ECM connection.

After my car was fixed, it ran well for 2 weeks and then started missing and chugging, no power only worse than before, I took it to our local Pontiac dealer, they ran a good scan on it and found that the #2 plug was not torqed down and had worked its way out and burnt the wire into. I put a new plug and wire on and now it is perfect. I took it to the original mechanic and he denied doing it, so I will never take a car back to him, ever
again, he used to be a good friend but no more. I also had to replace the starter shortly
after this, so that may have been my original problem to start with, but @ least my car
is in good shape right now.

a) my experience with crank sensor failures is that the car will not start atoll. That should have been a clue that the mechanic was clueless.

b) "runs but misses" can be many things but the place to start is *always* the secondary ignition system (coilpack, plug wires, plugs). "Misses on a hill at 50-55" is usually the coilpack. You can replace the entire Mororolla (square coil) ignition system with a 92-up (still used) Delco with individual removable coils. See http://6007.us/coils.htm - plugs right in

c) I always begin with a review of the factory service manual (fsm) for the specific problem, often there is a detailed troubleshooting chart. Since they are available for download (see http://www.reatta.net/docs.html - engine, trans, and most diagnostics are the same as for a Bonneville) there is no excure for not having.

d) for my cars, a $35 investment in a fuel pressure meter from Sears has been a godsend, whenever there is a "cranks but does not start" problem. I connect that first. 30 seconds.

e) next essemtial item is a scan tool. For 93 back I like the OTC 2000 ($25-$45 on eBay). Make sure you get the right GM cable and a cartridge good through your year.

f) Other than a good metric tool set (GM uses a lot of 10, 11, 13 and 15 mm bolts) the only oddball tool generally needed for the 3800 is a 2 foot long 18mm flat box wrench to loosen the serpentine belt idler.