Possible cam sensor/magnet problem?

[shinneh]

Well, been tooling with this car (1991 Ninety-Eight, 3.8Lv6) for awhile with the intermittent problem of it stalling out. It's nothing related to charging system, battery (all new and tested) New coil pack. Drove it around for 100 miles with no problems and was about to give it back to my friend the owner when it stalled in the cold. It actually tried to stall when first started but went on then 15 seconds later stalled. Motor will crank strong but won't start unless it rests awhile. Got it to start, drove..maybe 2 mins, stalled. Then I was able to drive for an hour with no problems, turned it off, restarted, all good. In the morning it started up on first crank then died 10 seconds later and won't start, got home from work today and car did the same thing.

I've been told this problem started after the water pump was replaced and I read that the cam sensor and magnet is right around that. So I'm gonna lean towards that as my problem. Also, I do not have any engine codes except 12, obviously, so how should I test this?

Any suggestions would be great.

(Also, checked all fuses and relays and all good)

[catback23]

No-starts are a pain in the ass, but intermittent no-starts/stalling are much more so especially when there are no trouble codes. But as far as diagnosing your best off doing the troubleshooting when the car won't start so you can tell whether your losing fuel, fire, or maybe both at that time. Best of luck to ya though.

[shinneh]

Yah, hopefully it'll stay no-start tomorrow. Gonna bring it up to work (pep-boys) to check fuel pressure. Kinda hope it's fuel related cause that's a simple drive way fix for me.

[shinneh]

Well, cant make it to work with the Olds today so I'm gonna try some at home stuff, mainly checking for spark and fuel. Spark I can check with the ol' get shocked pulling off spark plug wire boots, but how can I check for fuel pressure? I hear the pump come on even if the car won't start, it actually makes 2 noises, the normal whine and some sorta high pitch "weeeeeeee" which goes away after a minute.

[razr_88]

i had a problem with my cam sensor about two years ago and found that the magnet has a problem with busting the bracket. it's a tough fix, but i found an alternative. if you find this to be the problem causing you condition then here is the shortest, cheapest, and easiest way to remedy the problem.

http://bellsouthpwp.net/p/a/padgett46/cammag.htm

don't even have to take off the timing chain cover for this one. although you may want to also pick up a oil pan gasket because if your mag is busted, youll have little chunks and piece in the bottom of the pan.

you should check to see that the magnet is there at least, wouldn't hurt. my olds hasn't had the same problem since.