94 SHO Problem starting

[dasmitty02]

Hello everyone,
I have a question, my SHO started out with a small water pump leak (which gave us no problem) and then somehow ended dead in my driveway. I was driving on the highway when it just cut out completely, it stalled but would crank, but seemed to get no gas, I left it for a week or so and got back in it and could drive it a short distance before it would cut out again, I have heard it could be the water pump leaking onto a sensor, but now when I start the car it backfires then puffs when I step on the gas, could this just be a dirty fuel filter? I'm seriously thinking of selling it if it is not an easy fix.....HELP..

[shorod]

Chances are pretty good that the coolant damaged the Crankshaft Position Sensor. If this sensor is faulty, it could lead to the symptoms you are experiencing. If you determine this sensor to be a problem, then you may as well plan to replace the water pump and timing belt at the same time if you opt to repair the car.

-Rod

[dasmitty02]

Thanks Shorod,
so you really dont think it has anything to do with the fuel pump?, do you know where is the sensor located?

[shorod]

Well, from your description of a leaky water pump, it wouldn't surprise me if the CKP sensor is shot. However, since I cannot physically see the car in question and I don't know what you have for fuel pressure, I'm not about to say I don't think it is the fuel pump.

Do you have access to a fuel pressure guage to check the pressure at the fuel rail?

My recall is that the CKP sensor is located just above the crankshaft, behind the crank pulley. You need to remove the timing belt appearance cover, timing belt, and crank pulley to replace it. However, I'll need to check my service manual at home to find out how accurate my recall is. I'll try to make time tonight to do that.

-Rod

[shorod]

Yep, it looks like my recall was pretty close. Per the service manual:
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Loosen tensioner pulleys for A/C compressor and power steering pump belts.
3. Remove belts from crankshaft pulley.
4. Disconnect Ignition Control Module (ICM) and remove intake manifold crossover tube.
5. Remove upper timing belt cover.
6. Disconnect sensor wiring harness at connector and route wiring harness through belt cover.
7. Raise vehicle and suitably support.
8. Remove righthand front wheel and tire assembly.
9. Remove crankshaft pulley.
10. Remove lower and center timing covers.
11. Rotate crankshaft by hand to position the metal vane of shutter outside of sensor gap.
12. Remove crankshaft sensor retaining screws and remove sensor.

-Rod