87 GN w/140k miles. What will break next?

[GNRick]

Within the last month I repaired a shorted out bulb wire in center console, then I noticed the dimmer switch isn't working right and needs to be replaced. Today the speedometer cable was making noise and speedo went up to 140 mph Oh, I also replaced the thermostat a few weeks ago as it was stuck open. Rear defogger never worked since I owned the car so I have to fix that. I removed the rear trim and saw a couple wires (one on each side) but I don't know how to trouble shoot it. So what's next?!!

 

[Quiky One]

Here is how you have to think to be a Buick owner or any car owner without warrenty....1. It can't get any worse, so just fix it and be done and 2. think about the good times you will have with the car rather than the present..

Jason

 

[RUQWKNF]

Yep, it's all part of the game. Sounds like your car is testing you to see how you will treat her.
I believe Kirban or maybe Caspers Electronics might be able to help out with the defroster issue. Possibly even G-bodyparts might be able to shed some light. Now is a good time to start thinking about replacing 20 year old sensors on the engine. These cars do require a lot of preventive maintenance items. But I can assure you, the Juice is worth the squeeze when it comes to Turbo Buicks.

 

[Roc87]

How about a shorted out brake light bulb? Caused the turnsignals to flash on one side, but not the other, with the door open, key off and foot on the brake, you'd hear the "ding" reminder of leaving the parking lights on. . That one took a while to figure out! I've never seen or even heard of a bulb connecting itself together. Other than that, the last few thousand miles, haven't have anything go wrong. Guess it's just something that happens in the early 140k's . They do make a person want to have a drink everynow and then don't they

 

[saywin]

Worth it!

Ah, I had a Ford Lariat and paid $550 per month thats $6600 a year. Since I have purchased my buick it's cost me $1000.00 this year. You do the math! Bottom line!
IT'S WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GregInAtl]

87 GN w/140k miles. What will break next?

Your bank...sorry.

 

[GNRick]

87 GN w/140k miles. What will break next?

Your bank...sorry.

It already did!

Anyway, went out to start it today and wouldn't start. It's been hard to start all week, but this was the first day it wouldn't start at all. Put the charger on it and put a can of Heat in the gas tank. Went out 2 hours later during half time of Superbowl, floored the gas pedal and got it to start. I wonder if I have bad gas? Just another day in the life of a GN owner!

 

[GNguy]

87 GN w/140k miles. What will break next?

Your bank...sorry.

haha....seriously, take your pick, theres a long list of stuff....haha

 

[Project TNX]

Let me start off by saying I was young and a little too eager..........



I put a "mystery chip" with just "17#" written on it and some CAM II into a 190,000 T and blew a headgasket about 5 miles down the road.

**Had the road had some turns in it that might not have happened (for at least 10 miles), I blame the road, LOL. :lol:

 

[pontiac6269]

I just bought my 87 T with 136,000. Replacing the turbo with a rebuilt stocker, also have to get new hoses and clamps, oil pressure, water temp, boost gauges and a scanmaster.

Eric

 

[GNRick]

I just bought my 87 T with 136,000. Replacing the turbo with a rebuilt stocker, also have to get new hoses and clamps, oil pressure, water temp, boost gauges and a scanmaster.

Eric

And of course a Walbro/hot wire. How's your powermaster? Has it been replaced yet? Master cylinder is leaking on my 87 TR with similar mileage. I just bought a rebuilt one from E-bay, and a new reservoir from Kirban. Pump and accumulator were already replaced, so I didn't need a complete powermaster. If you are thinking of replacing the timing chain- make sure a knowledgable Buick guy does it. I had to get my motor rebuilt 100 miles after timing chain was replaced. I believe he didn't prime the oil pump, but with high miles I couldn't prove it. Have fun with your new car.

 

[karst#9]

Timing chain will break and bend all the valves

 

[salvageV6]

Turn the rear defogger on and test for +12 on the purple wire to a good ground.

I assume both wires are attached to their proper connectors and attached solidly to the window?

See if the switch "clicks" when you turn it on, mostly a feel thing not a sound, and look for the yellow light to stay ON when measuring for power out back at the wires.

If it doesn't click and the light doesn't stay on you have other issues at the switch.

 

[pontiac6269]

My power master doesn't exist, was replaced with vacuum by previous owner.
I will be getting a Walbro and hotwire kit , just forgot to write it down. Timing chain is still tight, maybe next year. The thing that sucks is I bought it in November and only got to drive it twice, thats when I noticed turbo seals where bad.

Eric

 

[GNTurbo6]

A few things don't work in my car, but I don't really mind. The trunk realease button does nothing, the antenna is stuck up, the seatbelt warning light and chime randomly go off sometimes, cruise control switch doesnt work, A/C doesn't work and the power locks don't really work either.

Strangely enough, none of this stuff bothers me, I just love the engine

 

[Roc87]

My trunk release button doesn't do anything either. Course, I disconnected it the last time it was broken into, jerk probably wouldn't have gotten anything out of my trunk had the button not been there

 

[GNRick]

A few things don't work in my car, but I don't really mind. The trunk realease button does nothing, the antenna is stuck up, the seatbelt warning light and chime randomly go off sometimes, cruise control switch doesnt work, A/C doesn't work and the power locks don't really work either.

Strangely enough, none of this stuff bothers me, I just love the engine

You're a true GN owner, I must say. My antenna doesn't work, cc has been fixed, A/C doesn't work (compressor died after only two years. Don't buy from Advance auto parts). Will check power at rear defogger soon.

 

[pontiac6269]

My A/C compressor was replaced with the idler pully before I got it, don't need it, my Caprice has air and I only use it when the wifes with. Power antenna was replace with a solid antenna. Cruise doesn't work but I'm going to try to fix it. 2 of the speakers quit working as I was driving it home after I bought it. I'm with GNTurbo6, if you seen the cars I drive on a daily basis, I'm lucky anything works.

Eric