Almost stalling--'87 Century

[4breezes]

The car in question is an '87 Century with a 3.8 engine, with under 30k miles. My mother-in-law bought it as a garage decoration.

We bought the car with a known problem. It died at speed, just died like somebody hit a switch. It would usually restart right away. I replaced the crank position sensor, and all was well. It ran great for about six months.

Recently it has developed a new problem. Now, at normal city driving speed, it will sometimes almost stall, but usually slow down, caugh and sputter, and then go again. Ocassionally the engine will die.

It acts for all the world like fuel starvation. I have replaced the fuel filter (start with the cheap and easy things), but the problem remains. My MIL says that she replaced the fuel pump at some time in the past. I wouldn't think it would go out again. Actually, with under 30k miles, it shouldn't have gone out at all.

What should I look at next? Could I have a fuel pressure problem?

All input, help and suggestions would be appreciated.

Ken

[4breezes]

I think my initial assessment was wrong. I don't think it's fuel starvation. It's more likely a misfire. I tried puting my timing light on the cable leads just to check for fire. The front three were fine-- consistant and regular fire. The rear three were somewhat erratic, sometimes not firing for rather lengthly periods.

The plug leads go back to the coil pack, don't they? I've had that thing out and tested. The tester claims it is good.

I've replaced the crank position sensor, about 1500 miles ago. The symptoms are getting closer to being the same as the previous troubles. Could the CPS be going out again? I would hope that it would last longer. Is there a particular brand to buy, or perhaps to avoid?

Could someone list the sensors I should be looking at? That should keep me busy for awhile.

Anyone have suggestions?

[wrightz28]

I the original crank sensro had to be replaced, there may have been some damage to the shutter on the back of the harmonic balancer or when replaced, it was too close to the shutter and the new sensor is damaged.