1989 Regal LE 2.8 Crankshaft Sensor Troubles

[poolplayrchick]

It has been since Oct 15, 04 that I have been dealing with these troubles. I need to get this thing fixed so I can return to the working class people before my unemployment runs out.


Here is chronology of the problems and the solution attempted.

Problem: Bogging and stalling to the point of no more starting.
Solution: Replaced Alternator (old one tested bad)

Problem: Still no spark probably because battery dead, so we had it charged, still nothing at this point I’m not sure if there was cranking without the spark or not. Well with the computer wiped out because of battery being dead and removed we had no codes to get.
Solution: Now we take the coil packs and the control module to Auto Zone to be tested, comes back fine. Auto Zone says it has to be the Crankshaft Position Sensor so I purchased one for about $20.00 and had a friend who is trained in mechanics to install it.

Problem: Cranks but no Firing; Still won't start.
Solution: (Since he wasn't the one who changed Alternators he decides he’s going to start with the alternator to see the path of fixes. Well this seems to reveal wiring harness from the module to the sensor are smashed and damaged by the alternators installation. This is a harness that was already very taut, he does the fix on the wires and tapes it up and plugs it in. Walla! it starts and works fine. (CPS/CPK was probably good all along)

Problem: 2 weeks or so running great. Then one day it just won't start again, but since the battery is charged we have cranking but no spark.
Solution: So he goes back out and says the wiring is so tight that its pulled itself off the sensor, and he repairs the wiring by adding about a foot or so of wire, plugs it back in and Walla it starts and runs.

Problem: A few days later. The now familiar situation, cranks but no spark, till battery dead and nothing.
Solution: Get the battery re-charged

Problem: I have cranking no spark. Since the wiring has seemed to be the problem all along. And you cannot buy this wiring anywhere: Dealer, Auto Zone or Manufacturer.
Solution: I decide to go to pick-a-part to get a real harness and not a patch job. Well after plugging into the module and running it back to sensor.

Problem: It is noticed that the previous harness plug on the sensor is covered with oil?? And at this point going by what my boyfriend (who is not a mechanic!) said that its kind of loose and a lot of oil around the sensor and on the ground.
Solution: That’s where I am now without a solution, I have read so much but not being experienced in the steps of determining the order to go about this properly.

At this point what should I do?
a. I can assume that the sensor is loose, oily or bad and needs to be tightened, cleaned or possibly replaced?? Do you think that this leaky oily sensor could be the problem and cause it not to start????
b. Retest everything with a multi-meter
c. Take it to a station and have them put it on a meter? (can’t afford to)
d. ????

Please help


Tracy the PoolPlayrChick