Install Crank Sensor ?

[Lt4-turbo]

I just bought an 86 GN. The guy I bought it from said that a while back it wouldn't start. He bought a Crank sensor for it but he went on on on about the parts store selling him a part that didn't exist. He said that the 86 didn't have a crank sensor. I get the car home and guess what it wont run. I charged the almost brand new battery up to full charge and when I crank it for a while I can smell the gas so I fell that it is getting fuel. I have the crank sensor that he sent with the car.

Is it hard to install this sensor? and where is it?
Does this sound like this could be the problem?
This car has been in storage since 1993 and has only 400 miles
since 1991.

 

[BM Computer Src]

Crank sensor will definitley cause no start. Its easy to replace though. Its located on teh bottom side of the crank pulley. The sensor you got is held in place by a u shaped bracket. Just get under the car with it safley jacked up, and you'll see it. The original probably is busted, because they dont normally just fail without physical damage.

Good luck,
Bob

 

[1970gsx]

The crank sensor is not hard at all to change. Crawl under the car and look behind the harmonic balancer on the drivers side and you will see it. I believe it is held on by 2 bolts (it's been awhile) and has an electrical connector. There are 2 slots in the sensor and it will only run in the correct slot. I'm not sure which one, so hopefully someone else will chime in. Make sure it does not rub the interrupter ring once installed.

 

[spoolin85]

There are 2 groves on the crank sensor. U want the interupter ring to go in the groovefarthest away from the plug in connector. W/ a feeler gauge u want about a .030 gap. Just make sure it isnt rubbin. I know this because Iam a complete moron and installed mine in the other groove, where it wouldnt start. It took me 2 weeks to figure that out.

 

[6=8]

Sounds like the crank sensor to me!

One note: Please verify the GAP to the interupter ring (Metal part on back of ballancer) using a couple of pieces of a matchbook as a "Gap Setter" on each side. Slightly tighten the sensor...

Then, this is very important: Rotate the engine to the next interupter section and check it again!

Then, do it one more time (3 sections). Final tighten.

Then, do it a final time and check all 3 positions again. If it hits, it won't last long and it will strand you someplace. It will be a reliable system IF you take these steps.

Check out this thread on the subject:

http://www.gnttype.org/discus/messages/38/1774.html?1034960549

Good luck to ya!

 

[Lt4-turbo]

Guys, thanks for all the helpful information. I got under the car and found the crank sensor but I don't know if I understand about the interrupter ring slot gap . Maybe I will understand when I start taking the old one off and putting on the new. Will I be able to use a spark plug gap gauge or will I have to use the match box trick? Thanks, Jon

 

[Steve Wood]

As it is a curved surface you are measuring against...something more flexible is easier.

The old trick was to cut a couple of strips out of a liter plastic soft drink bottle....that way you ended up with two curved gauges....

As you turn the crank over, you will see blades on the back of the damper that move thru the rear slot on the sensor.

Sent you a picture.

 

[Lt4-turbo]

Thanks Steve, those pictures are gonig to help me a lot.

Jon