Update on cam sensor problem

[Idaho subaru]

Hey everyone,

 

Just thought I'd update a cam sensor problem I had with my '97 wagon awhile ago. Here is the original thread-

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/1997-legacy-wagon-cam-sensor-issue-212267.html?t=212267

 

So for whatever reason the original picture isn't working in the above thread so I'll repost that.

 

Basically my car would run good then bad, I'd get a PO341 code sometimes, but not always. I had tested and checked everything else and narrowed it down to the cam sensor. I bought a new cam sensor, and had all the same issues. After tinkering for awhile, I found the cam sensor, new or old, needed to be cocked to one side a little and the car would run perfect. So I experimented with different combinations of "shims" until I found the sweet spot.

http://i1270.photobucket.com/albums/jj605/Idahorec/97%20Legacy%20Wagon/image_zps72ae30fb.jpg

 

That worked great, drove it for another month or so, then the headgasket presented itself and I pulled the motor to do gaskets, seals, timing, clutch, ect...

 

So anyhow, I was kind dreading doing all this work to the motor, then having the same issue with the sensor. So I figured to only thing I could try, was to use a different cam pulley when I put it back together. I put a different pulley on and did not install my "shims". So the moment of truth came a few days ago when I fired it up....she runs perfectly! Without the need for any Macgyvering.

 

I don't know exactly what was wrong with the old pulley, there are no obvious flaws on the pickup nodes, I did not check for straightness, but that could be a possibility.

 

Just wanted to post something on it in case someone else has mysterious cam sensor problems that don't make any sense, you might want to look at your pulley as a possible culprit?

[spooln30]

Can you post a few pics of the suspect cam gear?

[Idaho subaru]

Can you post a few pics of the suspect cam gear?

 

Here is one, I think it is of its best side, but if you're thinking of a different angle or something, let me know and I can take more.

 

http://i1270.photobucket.com/albums/jj605/Idahorec/9CBDBAE3-D18D-49AB-9C09-2872EE463767-431-0000012B516713D2_zpsc4a67ef7.jpg

 

The bright spots on the pickups are from when I was originally testing shim placement. I angled the sensor a little to much a couple times and rubbed them.