Engine Mechanical problem
1995 Buick Lesabre 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 112000 miles
----------------------------------------------------------------
I am the original owner of this Buick with a 3800 engine. Regular maintenance has always been performed and it runs great. Lately it has developed a ticking noise in the engine compartment. It gets more noisy as the car goes faster. The service engine soon light has not come on. A local mechanic did a preliminary exam by just listening and said it might be the balance shaft. However, further diagnostics would be required to determine the exact cause. Are defective balance shafts common? If this is the cause, how involved is it to replace this part? What is a fair cost for labor and parts? What damage could I do to the car if I decline to have this repaired? I intend to keep this car for several more years as it still looks great and has to pull my boat. Can you help?