It sounds like this dealer doesn't know what they're doing.. What you need is GM part number 25535668 . My GM dealer did not carry it, I had to special order it. It took around 1 day to get it. I still think you're being ripped off though. They are charging way too much to do just the timing chain, gears, sensor, etc. :(

I think what is confusing your dealer is that in 1988 through early 1990 GM used too small of a tensioner on the 3800. The old design for the tensioner wore down too quickly and caused the 3800 to have a "tinny" rattling noise between 800 and 1500 RPM under light acceleration. This was caused by the chain tension not being tight enough. In late 1990 GM came out with a new, updated, redesigned version of the timing chain tensioner, part number 25535668 which is about double the size of the old tensioner, and made out of metal instead of the hard rubber, which on my lesabre, wore down to absolutely nothing by the time I hit 150,000 miles. Your car may or may not have the new tensioner on it. This would explain why they are confused though, it either has had the timing chain replaced before with the new tensioner, OR it still has the original on it. BUT if you still had the original and were anywhere near 150k miles, you would of heard this engine rattle that I was describing. If you could not hear this sound, the previous owner more than likely took care of it..

I hope this post helps you on your long quest of getting your car back in A+ shape.

Thx Custom...I'm gonna take this info and use it wisely....umm, how bout up the dealers ying yang

Just waiting for him to call me back...again

To coin an old Beatles song..."I have to admit, its getting betta, a little betta all the time...."

So, my tensioner problem, solved...Custom was bang on, my car actually had a metal tensioner as a factory install, when they ordered the OEM part for an 89, a rubber one arrived, so they re-order a tensioner for a 91 SE.

To make a long story short, its being put together, road tested, and new Electronic Crank sensor (Code 42)....then the bill

Supposed to be done by 6:00pm, I'll let you know how the story ends after my evening out tonight....man, its a nice night for a concert

My family up north has some ummh connections, yeah lets call them that, if you need anyone at the dealership taken care of.

PM sent...lol, jk. They seem ok, I'm just worried about the bill now..., if it costs me an arm and a leg, its gonna cost them an arm and a leg...literally

Azwed

89, just read this entire post from start to finish...

You might want to talk to Bonnieboy23 about the problem you are having with your dash. He'* claiming to have "rigged" something up that works perfect and has done it on several 87-91 cars.

I hope you get your Bonnie back ok... and the bill isn't too hard on your wallet.



Maybe this will make you feel a slight bit better....

When I went out to my Bonnie this morning, I found a huge puddle of coolant under the car. The coolant container was empty, but the rad was full. I put some water in and drove it to the mechanic. They filled the container back up and ran it all day. Couldn't find a leak. I drove it back home, and looked when I got out... a few tiny drops were coming down. I followed them up to find a cracked rad....

So I'm getting that installed 1st thing tomorrow morning... I just thought I'd share that w/ you because misery loves company.

Final Report, and let first say thank you to everyone for their help, could have made sense of any off it without ya

OK down to business, got the call around 4pm, the car was finally ready to go. Terry the service manager, told me that the car had been test driven, all the codes were cleared. No more SES light (never seen it off since I owned the car). The code 42 problem cleared once the Code 41 was dealt with. The final tally came out to a respectable $844.74. It was the best $850 I ever spent, and the most satisfying for sure. The car is unbelievable, starts up great, accelerates off the mark like a champ, cruises at 90 mph @ 2500 RPM....it was euphoric

So, to cap off the evening, I had sold out tickets with 8 other friends to go see ColdPlay at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto. I had 4 16-19 year old girls in my car (my buddy-girlfriends-sisters-friends....) didja follow that? Great time!!! The car was fantastic.

The concert...OH MY F***KIN GOD....AMAZING show....it totally floored me, Coldplay is one of the greatest acts I have ever seen live...and 30 000 ppl were PACKED into the place....what a way to cap of this saga.

Then a nice quiet leisiurely tour home driving 150 kph,

And thats it

89, Glad you have it back!

I'm happy clam right now too, the only thing that bugs me still is the igntion. This morning the startup was not very good...took me two times to get it going. No error codes, but something tells me that the electronic crank is a bit weakened. I'll see how it goes over the next few days. But tonight, over to my buddies house for a complete wash and wax. Oh, I took the "pink" mud flaps off, I should update my sig

awesome! I am glad to hear that your car is running in tip top shape again! It is definately a good feeling to be driving your car after you haven't been able to for a while.