My 91 360 began to have intermittent starting problems a few months back. The first time was after a rain; the next day the weather dried off and it started. But then one day when the weather was dry it failed to start. Again, a day or so later it fired up. One mechanic I spoke to suggested the crank position sensor, but where is it? I assume there is a module in the distributor; there is also one outside the distributor. Can these be failing?

My mechanic days ended in the early 70's. I really don't know where to begin.

I should add, up until today, when the engine started it ran fine and continued to start the whole day. Today, was the first time it failed after a short run. It did start after sitting another 20 minutes after a failed attempt, but then later, for the first time, it stumbled while driving.

any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Hi,

The 91 Dodges had a Hall Effect switch inside the distributor. If these fail, it will cause a no start.

 

the hall effect inside the distributor will not fail with out warning. the truk would have a miss to it if the hall effect was starting to fail. my truk use to run even the the hall effect was bouncing off the picup. have you checked the basics, cap, rotor and sparkplugs?

 

Thanks for the imput. My truck only fails to start occasionally so I do not think the hall pickup is the problem. And Yes, I have checked the basics. The plugs, wires, rotor and cap have less than 6,000 miles on them. I'm still curious about this crank position sensor. From what I've read it could be the issue but I haven't figured out just where it is located yet. The weather is not favorible for getting under the truck either.

I just gave it a try and it fired right up. This is really a delima.

 

as far as i know there is no crank position sensor on a 91 dodge. from what i have read they didn't start using a crank position sensor till 93.

 

I decided to pull the dist cap off and it looked pretty bad for so few miles. I've ordered new parts. I will flip if this is the problem, but will be very happy too.

Advance Auto Parts shows a crank position sensor for my 360-z. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Crankshaft-Position-Crank-Angle-Sensor-BWD_20970460-P_762_R%7CGRPSENSAMS_1069492584___#___# You've got me curious now.

 

i get it now. the d250 had the fuel injected option in 91. the d150's where throtle body only. from the picture i'm looking at the crankshaft position sensor is mounted on the bellhousing on the passenger side just behind the head. from what i have just been reading it does sound like it could be the crank position sensor.

 

I have wanted to get to the library to look at a manual but haven't done it yet. I can't see anything looking from the top of the engine. There is barely an inch between the valve covers and the firewall. I assume i will have to jack up the body to replace it. For $60 I will give it a go. Thanks for all your help.

 

Mine did the same but onyl during cold weather, or cold mornings. Ended up being a bad computer couple by a shorted out cam sensor.

 

When Crazzywolfie suggested I check the basics I decided to replace the rotor and cap even though they had less than 6000 miles on them. After the installation the truck did not start so I figured I was back to the crank position sensor.

I have always been sensitive to my vehicles so when starting I never really crank the engine, but jog it. I just don't like replacing starters. The old Dodge always responded to two jogs prior to having this starting problem. The next attempt to start the truck it fired with one jog and it has been firing that way every time now, even at 14 degree temperature.

The new cap has the brass contacts and the rotor is a Delco. I never would have believed this problem would have been related to a cap and rotor. God bless.