ok guys
just to let you all know... I f*d up
the crank sensor i put in its bracket busted and scraped it all up.
got a new one in and it fires right up

Thanks for the help anyways

My 88 "C" ran fine with a thrown cam magnet, just gave a SES and code 41. Is the engine in the pictures on http://6007.us/cammag.htm . Repair is still good after almost three years.

Thanks for the info, padgett; that means that my experience with a thrown cam magnet preventing start on the '88 Le Sabre was not relevant to the '88 Bonneville. Now I'm beginning to wonder if the engine in that '88 was original. I sold it last year so I can't easily tell. It is hard to believe they used different PCMs on Buicks and Bonne'* in 88.

If I ever get my current fires put out, maybe I'll research the diagnostic protocols on older 3800'* to see if ANY of them would produce a no start condition with a thrown magnet. I used a great Chilton'* book that I checked out of the library and have not seen since, that was titled something like "electronic engine controls and diagnostics." It covered the earlier 3800s.

Anyway, thanks for the info. And kudos to you 89bonnevil for getting it done and letting us know.

Wasn't 88 the year that both the 165 hp "C" (dual ring crank sensor) and 150 hp "3" (single ring crank sensor) were produced ? I can see a "3" reacting differently than a "C".

I don't know if it helps to identify C or 3, but I think the cam magnet in that 88 LeSabre was attached to the gear with a bolt and housed in a little casting, unlike the newer plastic snap in type.