Timing Set

I recently had to replace the balancer on my 90 PA. The rubber was totally torn loose and dry rotted. The engine seems to run alot smoother but I keep reading other posters talking about a "timing set", which I assume is the timing gear? My question is how intense a repair is this? Does it involve just dropping the oil pan or is there alot more to it? Also, could the balancer failure have anything to do with crankshaft trouble? The car has 163000 miles on it. What would you call the typical life expenctancy of these series 1 3800's?

Any input is appreciated.

Worst part of the job you already know about, removing the balancer, even with an impact, they're still a PITA.

You'll need to remove the water pump, remove the oil pan and remove the cover to change the set. Along with a few ther misc. items that may get in your way.

While you have the pan out is pretty well going to answer your life expectancy question, look for shavings in the pan and what not.

And, if your concerned about longevity, now your chance to do something about it. Replace the water pump and anything else of age while your there (crank & cam sensors). Word of caution that you probably already know about, take a lot of time and manually turn the balancer bolt after everything is back together and make sure the vaines of the balancer clear the crank sensor.

Thanks WrightZ, I will do just that. One last question. Where exactly is the cam sensor and what is the exact function? I know where the crank sensor is and what it does.

Thanks again.

Cam sensor is in the timing cover right on the face in relation to , well the camshaft. On most of the earlier models the crank sensor provides the majority of the information for timing and injector pulsing, but, later on the cam sensor became more independent for injector firing.

I was driving this car to work the other day and as I accelerated slightly I thought I heard a slight thunk and the car died. Will not fire at all even though I confirmed plugs firing and fuel pressure. Any reason not to think this is the timing set we have talked about?