1992 Delta 88 - intermittent shut-off

[Sonix1]

The other night the car shut off on me while driving. Pulled over and cranked it over with no-start.
Checked fuel pressure at shrader - had fuel.

Towed home. Tryed to start next day, fired up fine. Stalled out 3 times on the way back from the grocery store - but starts up fine right after it shuts off! No check engine light.

- Is this car an OBD1 year?
- Can I check it with a paperclip?
- I tried the top left, and 2nd one in from the left on the top row, and got nothing. Wrong pins?
- I'm hoping it's the cam position sensor, as i've heard this can cause this.

Any thoughts or help?

Thanks

[bs009]

92 is indeed an OBD I year; 94-96 are the difficult years.
You will be able to check it with a paper clip, it's the top row, the two farthest to the right. but if you're not getting a light, then you may not get a code unless it has one stored in it still.
your symptoms sound like a bad crank position sensor.

[maxwedge]

Start by checking for spark, just basic diagnostics. Yes the cps is a common failure here.

[Sonix1]

Ok, i'll check for codes. I have not seen the check engine light light up yet though.

Does the CPS control spark? Does it throw a code if it's not seeing a signal?

My haynes sprouted legs and wandered off. Is this sensor easy to find? Near the oil filter, with a two pin connector right? One bolt holding it in place?

The tough thing is, it's intermittent. It'll stall, then when I pull over to the side of the road, it'll re-start. I can't troubleshoot it ! I'll ohm the CPS and go from there tonight though.

Thanks

[maxwedge]

The cps will kill injector pulse and spark, it may pass the resistace test but can fail when hot.

[Sonix1]

Where is the crankshaft position sensor?
It sure as hell isn't *above* the oil filter...
Is it over by the A/C compressor (front right of car), or is it inboard?

What will I have to remove to get to this sucker?!?

[toddman67]

Go to www.troublecodes.net for proper flash code connections. You will get a flash code 1....1,2 (code 12) to start with. Key on. If you do not get the flash code 12, your bulb is blown or missing or you may have anohter problem. Code 12 is the default code and will always show first followed by any other codes.

[Sonix1]

oh i'm familiar with pulling codes and looking them up. I have a check engine light (comes on with key in run- before start). I just have no codes now. Probably is intermittent, I can't reproduce while standing still.

Just went to alldata.com (courtesy of my local autoparts chain) and they printed off how to replace the CPS.

ARE YOU SHITTING ME?!? I need 3 different GM specialty tools?!? To remove and reinstall the crank balancer, as well as one to torque the balancer bolts right? jesus! Has anyone here done this job with NORMAL tools, themselves? Is it possible? How do I remove the balancer?

a little help is appreciated!

[maxwedge]

Check the info at autozone.com, repair guides.

[Sonix1]

Ok, that site requires me to sign up ? I'll take a look at it...

I went to a parts store, who printed me info from all-data.

I apparently need 3 GM specialty tools for this job. One to pull the balancer, one to align the new sensor, and one to torque the balancer bolts on right.

**Has anyone on this forum actually done this**? I'm wondering if I can use alternate tools for this job ?

Thanks

[toddman67]

Check with your parts supplier. Many times they will loan you the proper tools to replace the parts that they want to sell you. If one supplier does'nt, check with another.

[Sonix1]

Replaced the CPS using a normal balancer removal tool, along with some M6x1.0mmx70mm bolts I got from a bolt supplier.
Had to use the center bolt to push the balancer back in place.

Didn't fix the problem.

I've been told my alternator could be overcharging the battery to 15.5+VDC, which would cause the system to shut down. Anyone ever heard of this? Voltage regulator in the alternator perhaps then?