Threaded hole next to cam sensor

[rb68rr]

On my 87' GN there appears to be a threaded hole right beside the cam sensor. What is this for? R.B.

 

[Hognose]

Unless I'm wrong, that should be the hole for the bolt and washer that holds the cam sensor in place!

 

[rb68rr]

Nothing in mine, just a hole. I have noticed a big puddle of oil there! R.B.

 

[chrisgarrett]

There's supposed to be an allen screw in there to block it off. The hole doesn't serve any purpose on a turbo Buick. If your set screw is gone, it must have fallen into the engine. You're lucky it didn't cause any real damage. I've heard of guys losing their timing chain because of it. If you look in your oil pan, that's probably where it is.

 

[rb68rr]

Can oil blow out of this hole and will it cause the loss of oil pressure? Thanks, R.B.

 

[chrisgarrett]

Oil can blow out, but I don't know about the oil pressure.

 

[rb68rr]

Anybody know if this can affect oil pressure? And what size is the allen screw? R.B.

 

[Jerryl]

Anybody know if this can affect oil pressure? And what size is the allen screw? R.B.

Does not have any affect on oil pressure.
Take the allen bolt out and "Loctite (R)" a short cap screw in there.

Forgot the size of the bolt/threads. Sorry.

 

[49-blues]

Try plugging it up with a little silicone when dry.

 

[Jerryl]

Found the thread ........
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/ge...help-please.html?highlight=timing+cover+allen

 

[rb68rr]

Thanks for the link Jerryl. If anybody knows what size allen screw, bolt, etc. would fit in there, please let me know. Looks like it could be a bitch to get it in. Thanks, R.B.

 

[Jerryl]

Thanks for the link Jerryl. If anybody knows what size allen screw, bolt, etc. would fit in there, please let me know. Looks like it could be a bitch to get it in. Thanks, R.B.

Use a socket end bolt with a ball-end wrench.

 

[rb68rr]

Thanks again. One more question: If a front cover is leaking can it cause oil pressure to drop? Since my car has developed this oil leak I'm getting a lot more valve train noise, especially at idle. I haven't installed an oil pressure gauge yet but it just seems like the oil is not getting to the top of the motor like it used to before the leak. Thanks, R.B.

 

[Squid4life]

The pump is in the front cover and suck throught the block down to the oil pickup. The front cover gasket between the two stops leaks and provides a seal for the pump, so I can imagine if the front cover is loose or the gasket is bad at that spot it could cause issues.

Here is a thread about rebuilding your front cover if it needs it. You can get a gasket/shim set for the oil pump from TA performance. If you need a new fornt cover you can get one from Autozone or FrankG on this board.
TurboBuicks.com - How to build a front cover/oil pump

 

[Jerryl]

A front cover leak CAN result in lower oil pressure.
While there are many places of potential pressure leakage, the hole with the small "set scew" will not have any affect on oil pressure.

If you are chasing oil pressure issues, check for properly torques bolts of the front cover, gasket, oil pump (As indicated by Squid).

 

[Dr.drivability]

Had that problem last summer. Luckilly my setscrew popped out instead of falling in. I did exactly what has already been recommended- short capscrew w/ locktite. Problem fixed for good!! Pretty sure it was 3/8ths N.C.

 

[rb68rr]

Thanks Dr. drivability. That's how I'm going to fix it also. Still can't find the main oil leak though! I had it up on ramps yesterday and the oil was running down the transmission line and dripping there. I traced it up to the passenger side front corner of the oil pan. It was a steady drip, drip, drip. But then I realized it was coming from somewhere above that. Still havent found the exact source! It's really hard to see up there. I tightened up the bolts on the front cover. They were pretty loose! It's dark now so I will have to wait until tomorrow to see if that helped. Any suggestions about the leak? Thanks, R.B.
Also, I'm really getting a lot of valve train noise from the passenger side valve cover. Got to take that off and see what's going on in there.

 

[ChrisCairns]

It's 3/8-16. I went out to check for you and first cover I picked up didn't have one. Must have been an aftermarket cover. The second one had one and I measured that one.

Anyone know what the set screw and hole was for originally?

 

[gczarny]

I have heard that hole was used for extra nozzle to spray oil on cam gear and chain , found only in aftermarket front covers . I agree ,magnetic oil drain plug is a good idea at this point .

 

[rb68rr]

Thanks for the help ChrisCairnes. R.B.