1994 Olds 88 LSS (cont'd from prev. post)

Went to mechanic, had codes pulled, trouble code P0341 displayed. Mech replaced camshft sensor. Still having same problems $175.00 later. Mech now says I need a timing chain/gear. Also, after previously replacing MAF sensor, car very difficult to keep started on cold start. Better after warming up.
(Previous post)

135,000 miles.
Originally, car was stalling much of the time and hesitating as well. Removed and cleaned the EGR. Car was a little better, but not much. Removed MAF sensor, plastic housing was broken. Replaced MAF, car much better, however still stalls and hesitates but much less than before. (MAF is rebuilt, could it be that O ring is not sealing properly?) No codes as car appears to be OBD1.5 and can;t find a code reader that will work. Thanks for any advice.

Think I spoke too soon. Today, after a cold start, the engine could barely keep running. After a warm up, ran better however, stalled at traffic lights and hesitated somewhat while at normal speed. HELP?

Did the mechanic check and see if the camshaft interruptor magnet was still in place? Usually, when a code is thown for the cam sensor circuit, the sensor itself is usually fine but it is the magnet that is clipped into the cam sprocket that is missing.

Oh, and for $175 I'd say you got ripped off since it only takes one bolt to pop off the cam sensor...

Well I paid 35.00 for the sensor, the rest was for Diagnosis and labor. I couldn't find anyone else with a code reader for my vehicle. Anyway, as far as the magnet is concerned, if it comes with the cam sensor, then it was replaced. How about some ideas as far as the timing chain and the cold starting issue. It would be nice not to have to get "ripped" again. Thanks.

Yeah, the OBD 1.5 is a real pain to pull codes from.

As for the camshaft sensor, it should only cost around 10-15 $. Now, the crankshaft position sensor is about $30-35 and for 75 for parts and labor that would have been a great deal.... but Assuming the mechanic got the sensor from a dealer it is quite possible that it was $35 which would leave $40 for diagnosis and labor which is probably fair...

As for the interuptor magnet, no...it does not come as part of the camshaft sensor. It is a separate part and is significantly more difficult to (correctly) fix...but there is a cheat method that DOES work...It probably wouldn't hurt if you went ahead and checked to see if the magnet was thrown... http://bellsouthpwp.net/p/a/padgett46/cammag.htm

Thanks for the reply. I don't suppose there is an easy way to check the magnet?

You can visually check through the hole with the cam sensor removed, using a small mirror, to see if the magnet is in place. The ECM uses both the crank and cam sensor to set timing advance. Usually, the MAF sensor would not effect cold start running, as it isn't used by the ECM until the car is warmed up and it goes into closed loop. On the MAF sensor, what brand did you buy? If it's a Cardone, they are basically junk, and it could still be part of your issue.

Usually, the MAF sensor would not effect cold start running, as it isn't used by the ECM until the car is warmed up and it goes into closed loop.



The MAF sensor is used by the ECM module in open loop mode. In closed loop mode the fuel injection system is controlled by the 02 sensor after the engine is fully warmed up and other engine parameters are met.