View Full Version : Cam Position Sensor Removal
I need to replace the cam position sensor seal on my 92 ZR1. Looks challenging to get to......any tips or tricks to gaining access before I just start removing stuff? I just had my master brake cylinder out and kick myself for not replacing it then. It would have allowed for a little more access.
Jagdpanzer
11-07-2020, 11:04 PM
Remove the 6mm cap screw that retains the cam sensor to the the cylinder head. Twist the sensor back and forth a few times while prying the retaining tab out with a screwdriver. Be prepared to catch a few ounces of oil when the seal pops clear.
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I removed a few things including the inner fender skirt sections and the ASR bracket and pulled the hoses off of what is called the electric diverter valve. It was all quite easy and gives me plenty of room to get my fat hands on the sensor. Waiting on the new seal to arrive any day now. Given all the hoses, brackets, wire harness and components, there was no way for me to get my hand on it.
G8nightman
11-15-2020, 08:57 PM
Make sure the leak is not the sensor itself I ordered a seal too then found a hair line crack in sensor itself
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Make sure the leak is not the sensor itself I ordered a seal too then found a hair line crack in sensor itself
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Good point, I will give the sensor a close inspection.
32valvZ
11-16-2020, 04:49 PM
Make sure the leak is not the sensor itself I ordered a seal too then found a hair line crack in sensor itself
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Mine was doing that also...
Is there a fix for this? JB weld? Silicone?
Jetjock
11-16-2020, 08:44 PM
Remove the 6mm cap screw that retains the cam sensor to the the cylinder head. Twist the sensor back and forth a few times while prying the retaining tab out with a screwdriver. Be prepared to catch a few ounces of oil when the seal pops clear.
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A few ounces of oil? I had half of quart of oil come out. It looked like the Exxon Valdez in my garage!
Update: Sensor is cracked. Starts on top and travels down the side. I think it stops just short of the seal. There is mold seam there as well which makes it harder to verify where the crack stops and the seam starts. I need to get a closer look with a jewelers loupe.
As luck would have it I ordered a new one from Phil but if I can, I would like to try and repair the crack if possible. The sensor still works. Any thoughts? Super glue? Epoxy? RTV? How much clearance between the sensor and the cam?
Only a little oil cam out when I removed it.
32valvZ
11-20-2020, 10:15 PM
Update: Sensor is cracked. Starts on top and travels down the side. I think it stops just short of the seal. There is mold seam there as well which makes it harder to verify where the crack stops and the seam starts. I need to get a closer look with a jewelers loupe.
As luck would have it I ordered a new one from Phil but if I can, I would like to try and repair the crack if possible. The sensor still works. Any thoughts? Super glue? Epoxy? RTV? How much clearance between the sensor and the cam?
Only a little oil cam out when I removed it.
Honestly, I wouldnt use anything to try to fix that crack... you wouldnt want RTV or any kind of epoxy floating around in the oil galleys and I doubt super glue would hold. Its now an official paper weight. :)
Honestly, I wouldnt use anything to try to fix that crack... you wouldnt want RTV or any kind of epoxy floating around in the oil galleys and I doubt super glue would hold. Its now an official paper weight. :)
Yes but..... it?s not like I can just run to NAPA and replace it. It still works. The leak was minor. The oil pan gasket leaks much more. It seems a little super glue in the crack with a skim of high temp silicone would be worth a try. Epoxy may be an overkill and more risky. My guess the sensor itself is bedded in epoxy internally and should be fine even with a crack in the outer shell. The crack is barely visible.
HAWAIIZR-1
11-21-2020, 01:22 PM
Yes but..... it?s not like I can just run to NAPA and replace it. It still works. The leak was minor. The oil pan gasket leaks much more. It seems a little super glue in the crack with a skim of high temp silicone would be worth a try. Epoxy may be an overkill and more risky. My guess the sensor itself is bedded in epoxy internally and should be fine even with a crack in the outer shell. The crack is barely visible.
I agree with you to attempt a repair. I didn?t see the crack you have, but I repaired the one on my 90 with very minimal JB Weld and it was fine.
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32valvZ
11-22-2020, 06:26 PM
Just get one from Phil and be done with it... I had mine in a few days and all has been well since.
Update:
Repaired the crack with JB weld for plastic. Used a Dremel to plow a small groove along the crack to give it more bite and roughed up with 180 sand paper. Use silicone around the o-ring seal as well. Did not install until everything had cured. So far no leak. Need more heat cycles to be sure but why not try.
HAWAIIZR-1
12-01-2020, 10:31 PM
Update:
Repaired the crack with JB weld for plastic. Used a Dremel to plow a small grove along the crack to give it more bite and roughed up with 180 sand paper. Use silicone around the o-ring seal as well. Did not install until everything had cured. So far no leak. Need more heat cycles to be sure but why not try.
Good job! That sounds like it will work well. Best wishes!! [emoji1303]🤙🏼
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Update: Sensor is cracked. Starts on top and travels down the side. I think it stops just short of the seal. There is mold seam there as well which makes it harder to verify where the crack stops and the seam starts. I need to get a closer look with a jewelers loupe.
As luck would have it I ordered a new one from Phil but if I can, I would like to try and repair the crack if possible. The sensor still works. Any thoughts? Super glue? Epoxy? RTV? How much clearance between the sensor and the cam?
Only a little oil cam out when I removed it.
Phil has cam position sensors?
G8nightman
12-09-2020, 09:06 PM
Phil has cam position sensors?
Yes
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ZR1CK
12-20-2020, 12:15 PM
Who is Phil and how do I get in touch with him? Just replaced my cam sensor but would like a spare.
HAWAIIZR-1
12-20-2020, 12:25 PM
Who is Phil and how do I get in touch with him? Just replaced my cam sensor but would like a spare.
Phil is Jagdpanzer on here so you can message him.
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Matt B
02-23-2021, 05:50 PM
Gentlemen, is THAT the crankshaft sensor?!? It's located right below the left cylinder head (driver side). Mine is leaky but it isn't round. I removed a small metal piece (like a small fender, tray, latch, whatever) that was secured with an 8mm nut.
The Sensor itself seems to be not round, there is no twisting possible. I can wiggle it, but it doesn't come out. What am I doing wrong?
Gentlemen, is THAT the crankshaft sensor?!? It's located right below the left cylinder head (driver side). Mine is leaky but it isn't round. I removed a small metal piece (like a small fender, tray, latch, whatever) that was secured with an 8mm nut.
The Sensor itself seems to be not round, there is no twisting possible. I can wiggle it, but it doesn't come out. What am I doing wrong?
Yes, that is the CAM sensor. The sensor is round with a tab to capture the bolt and aluminum shield. Once the bolt is removed, the sensor must be carefully pulled out. Twisting it gently can help. I had a bunch of stuff removed when I changed mine so access was much better. Jerry sells the replacement o-rings for these but mine was cracked as well. I sealed it with epoxy and so far so good. I also purchased a spare from Phil.
ZR1CK
02-23-2021, 07:02 PM
Hello Matt, the sensor underneath the drivers side cylinder head IS the cam sensor (you referred to it as the crank sensor), is this what you're having an issue with? If so, it should be about an inch or so in length and cylindrical with 3 wires attached. It is, or should be, held in place by an aluminum brace and a metric bolt through both the brace and the sensor. I've had mine out a few times as I'm having an issue with the engine running properly and the code pointing to it. I can't imagine the sensor being anything but cylindrical because of the very snug fit into the cylinder head. I believe there are some pics in another thread, I just don't recall which one. I have a couple of pics I think I can add to this thread if you're interested. Stay in touch with this forum and you'll get more help along the way. Good luck.
Rick J :thumbsup:
G8nightman
02-23-2021, 07:29 PM
Camshaft sensor not crank
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Matt B
02-24-2021, 03:00 AM
Thank you all for the answers. Of course I'm talking about the CAM sensor. Sorry, language issues... ;). Okay, than I'll carefully try to twist and pull it out. Just wanted to make sure I'm on the right page and won't break anything.
Considering how much oil is spilled I assume it's cracked as well. If so I'll fix it for now and reach out for replacement.
Matt B
03-03-2021, 04:47 PM
Okay, pulled it - and it's cracked... I already dropped Phil a message. Seems that these sensors are a likely painpoint...
Okay, pulled it - and it's cracked... I already dropped Phil a message. Seems that these sensors are a likely painpoint...
One of many my friend.....
You should buy one from Phil but also consider attempting a repair.
Matt B
03-03-2021, 05:27 PM
I'm afraid I am one of many ;). Phil's my first address, hope he can help me out. Repair yes, I will consider. Just wondering if I can safely use degreaser / brake cleaner to rinse off engine oil? Otherwise my bond will not cling to the mating surfaces... Not sure what's inside the sensor and I don't dare to ultimately break it.
I'm afraid I am one of many ;). Phil's my first address, hope he can help me out. Repair yes, I will consider. Just wondering if I can safely use degreaser / brake cleaner to rinse off engine oil? Otherwise my bond will not cling to the mating surfaces... Not sure what's inside the sensor and I don't dare to ultimately break it.
That is an issue. The problem is the sensor plastic case has oil inside it. No matter what I did, oil kept weeping through. I cleaned the best I could with brake cleaner and filed kind of a flat where the crack was which went up the side and half way across the top. I coated the areas with JP weld for plastic and skim coated the top....must keep it thin as the clearance between the cam and sensor is pretty tight. I then sanded it smooth and blended/contoured it the best I could. I used silicone sealant in the o-ring pocket and installed the new o-ring, blended it around the oring and let cure overnight. Installed a few days later. No issues so far but have not driven it much either.
While I am not certain, I am guessing the sensor is potted in some sort of epoxy material which is why these things continue to work even when full of oil. I think most of them are cracked, it is just when that crack makes it into the oring groove, it begins to leak and possibly past the wire entry point.
rkreigh
03-09-2021, 03:45 PM
with the temp swings and oil batch jb weld might not last very long.
You would have to plastic weld that sensor case and it's that crappy hard plastic gm uses that is prone to cracking.
put the new one in and be done with it.
Matt B
03-11-2021, 02:37 AM
Right, I ordered mine from Phil. Will keep the original one in my treasure chest ;)
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