Help - Need Advice!

[Runaboveit]

The guys too lazy to read it all, just read the bold.

2 months back, for the first time since owning the car, I turned off the traction control and squealed the tires. I wasn't holding it with the ebrake or anything. Just floored it from a stop sign up to the speed limit. 2 minutes later I pulled into my parking space and shut it off for the night.

The next morning the car had starting issues. It would start to turn and then I would hear a clunk sound and it would stop. A couple times trying and it catches and starts. Took it around the block to the store and on the way back it stalled pulling into my drive, I didn't even notice it. Everything was still going, just no response from the gas pedal heh. That was the only time it has ever stalled on me.

Now sometimes it starts right away on the first turn, other times I have to try it 5+ times. Starter "sounds" fine.

This morning, while waiting for a store to open I went across the street to Autozone and figured have them check the battery and alternator and also read the check engine light (It came on maybe 4 months ago, which I had checked and it was an egr low flow p0401). No noticeable driving issues, so I haven't bothered to clean it out yet.

Battery and alternator test were spot on.

However, when the codes were pulled, there were now two showing. The EGR P0401 I expected, AND a P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor.

Upon some googling I found out symptoms could be hard starting and stalling. But I'm just not sure it would be making that loud clunk when starting over just the sensor? (like the starter gear is jamming on the flexplate or something). Anyone ever had a cam. pos. sensor go out? What issues did you have?

Also, a few days ago my friend took it to the grocery store and leaving they said it felt like it didn't want to go. I haven't yet reproduced this issue, it always runs fine once its started for me.. but figured I should mention it.

Any ideas guys? What should I start with? Does the wiring for the cam sensor go down by the axles by chance? Could spinning the tires suddenly get them mangled? Could the timing belt have skipped a tooth from it?

[clutch1]

Nope, the wiring from the cam sensor comes up from under the P/S pump and runs back behind the alternator. If could see it being a culprit to driveability problems, but not a loud clunk when starting the car. The clunk could just be some misfire action or something.. parts not liking being beaten up by the rough running.

Check the 3 wires on the cam sensor harness for proper voltage, ground, and signal, then go from there.

[Runaboveit]

(edit/delete - figured it out)

[Runaboveit]

I know what I need to do, gathered a list of things to check.

oh and clutch1, I saw your other posting just last week replying to basically the same question,
http://www.aleromod.com/forums/showthread.php?p=541509

you must feel like a broken record sometimes eh? Thanks for replying still.

note to self: search more.

[zzyzzx]

OK, so what was it?

[cherrington17]

Run... i personally, want to THANK YOU for bolding the important points in a long story.

That... is.... amazing. +1 rep for saving me time.

[guiguilandry]

Originally Posted by cherrington17

Run... i personally, want to THANK YOU for bolding the important points in a long story.

That... is.... amazing. +1 rep for saving me time.

QFT

[Runaboveit]

Problem solved. Finally took the starter out and had it tested at two different places. When the bench test started, both times the starter started smoking and the bendix drive came out and was wobbling all over.

The wobbling was jamming it on the flexplate it seems and thats where the clunk was coming from. Surprised I never saw the smoke.

I examined the flexplate and some of the teeth had some tapering on the outer edges. Didn't see any broken or chipped.

I put in a new starter and so far no issues yet.