Driving Olds Delta 88 with cam sensor problem

[me2maxon]

I have been driving around for months with a bad cam sensor (because I didn't have the money to fix it (labor is not cheap!) and my husband told me I could.
Now my car is stalling, dying, trouble starting, some black smoke coming out the back - feels like catalytic converter problem???? OR could this be related to the cam sensor problem?

I don't know anything about cars only what I have picked up from my husband and previously experienced problems with cars.
All responses appreciated.

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF, many things can cause this usually not the cam sensor, what year is the car #1. Excess fuel pressure, bad maf, coolant temp sensor, no magic bullet here, this requires a full scan and proper diagnostic steps.

[me2maxon]

Thanks for responding.

Year is 1988

Okay, my husband tells me that the cam sensor has been replaced, but not the cam sensor interupter magnet and I keep getting a code 41. Anyway, ignition modules replaced, tps sensor replaced, new wires and plugs.

oh yeah, at first because of the way it was acting we thought it was the fuel pump but then when we noticed that a little black smoke was coming out the back we thought the catalytic converter probably needs replaced. I had to replace a catalytic converter on another car years ago and this feels the same.

Personal note to husband if you are reading this......I am way out of my league here! I know that you don't feel like fixing my car but please help me because I don't want another $300 bill! AND I LOVE YOU!

[auto trainy]

Just a quick try: check for fuel in the vacuum hose of the fuel pressure regulator,if not do what Max said its the only true way to diagnose your problems,good luck.