If I unplug the cam sensor while the car is running, it stalls.

[kenny]

What gives?

Trying to trouble shoot a pop through the exhaust at more than ~15psi. I've read it could be the cam sensor, so today I unplugged it after I started the car. The car will idle for about 5 seconds after I unplug it, then stumble and stall. From what I've read, the car is supposed to run after you disconnect it... so my question is, what does it mean if the car stalls when disconnecting it?

 

[bruce]

Originally posted by kenny
What gives?

Trying to trouble shoot a pop through the exhaust at more than ~15psi. I've read it could be the cam sensor, so today I unplugged it after I started the car. The car will idle for about 5 seconds after I unplug it, then stumble and stall. From what I've read, the car is supposed to run after you disconnect it... so my question is, what does it mean if the car stalls when disconnecting it?

That's a strange one.
It sounds like the engine is losing synch with the crank sensor.

Faulty crank sensor, or wiring sounds most likely.

 

[kenny]

Re: Re: If I unplug the cam sensor while the car is running, it stalls.

Originally posted by bruce
That's a strange one.
It sounds like the engine is losing synch with the crank sensor.

Faulty crank sensor, or wiring sounds most likely.

Crank sensor is new. All wires to it and the cam sensor look good.

 

[Steve Wood]

As it should run fine with it disconnected, I wonder what would happen if you move the cam sensor about 1/8" in one direction or the other, and then try disconnecting it again to see if it does exactly the same thing or gets worse/better? I would guess counterclockwise as the first direction.

 

[kenny]

Well, went out today with the intention of moving it a few degrees to see if anything would change, but decided I would try it one more time before moving it. Started the car up, disconnected the sensor, kept running.

I was on my way to look at a supercharged notchback 5.0 and a 87 GN with my brother, so I almost turned the car off and reconnected the sensor. I changed my mind, left it disconnect and went on my way. When I got some open road, nailed it, NO POPPING!

So, now I get to replace the cam sensor.

Now, one question. Is the GP Sorensen sensor a good unit, or should I pay the extra $60 and buy the Delco (GP Sorensen is $123 from Advance auto, Delco is $187 from gmpartsdirect)?

Also, I will buy the Delco for sure if I can find it for ~$140, are there any places cheaper than gmpartsdirect?

 

[blackbuick87]

I would go Delco. I bet your old one lasted a lllooooonnnnggg time.

 

[2FAST4U]

You may want to try just replacing the cam sensor cap first. I ran across a couple of cars where I swapped the cap and the car cleared up. It'd be a lot cheaper and worth a shot.

 

[kenny]

Or, even better, I just realized I have another cam sensor.

It was in a box of junk I got when I bought the car.

I had bought valve springs for the car, thought they were the problem, so tonight I'm going to swap cam sensor and change the valve springs.

Can't wait.

 

[Steve Wood]

You might try turning the sensor about the 1/8" that I suggested and see if that clears it up just in case it set on a border line point. Cleaning the cap won't hurt, as suggested, either.

 

[kenny]

I'll try both of those before I swap it tonight.

Would be nice if that fixed it, then I still have an extra cam sensor.