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[richardirv]

Well I really don't know what to say or think now, known the guy years and never let me down. He Is a Vauxhall mechanic. Isn't it even slightly possible that the hydraulic tappets can loose compression or lock or something that would cause the problem I had?

I had no engine lights on the dash at all once it started so I never thought to get the codes cleared.

Also I don't feel ripped off as he didn't charge me a penny for coming out to me in his own time, I know he didn't technically do anything apart from manually open the butterfly valves. While I was cranking the engine.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

There must be any number of guys on here with 'good' second hand crank sensors, which are known to work, just lying around.

If all's well, and the cars running reliably, then you can go ahead and buy a brand, spanking new one, if you want, or stick with the 2nd hand one.

Either way it's not much financial investment to prove definitely it is or definitely isnt the sensor.

[Andy B]

... Isn't it even slightly possible that the hydraulic tappets can loose compression or lock or something that would cause the problem I had? .....

It'd still start of a fashion on 4 or 5 cylinders, leaving any sticky 'tappets' tapping.

[richardirv]

I take that as not then really. Hehe.

So it's running reliably now, all be it only 2 days and counting. If I get the crank sensor changed and it continues to run ok. How will I know it was the sensor. I suppose the only way is the leave it and see if it goes wrong again.

It's going in for service on thursday. Is it worth getting it on the computer to see if there is a crank sensor code?

[Andy B]

.. Is it worth getting it on the computer to see if there is a crank sensor code?

If a pedal test doesn't show anything, then yes. 

[richardirv]

Will pedal test again tomorrow but was only giving 0100 the other day.

No objection to doing the crank sensor, even if I don't have any more problems. Just don't like not knowing the exact problem. 

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Absolutely. But if you're anything like me, if there's two possible solutions, one costs a few quid, the other a few hundred, I tend to replace the few quidder, and cross fingers!

 

[richardirv]

Ok there were no other codes when read on computer. Had a service now too as it was long overdue. Running sweeter now will decent oil in it.

[less]

I am very much in agreement with the majority here - classic crank sensor.

It will likely be fine now until the most inconvenient moment possible and will fail with no warning (probably just refuse to start  ).

Strongly recommend you buy a new GM sensor and keep it handy (in the boot) for when it does let you down. (it doesn't take long to fit the new one)

[feeutfo]

I am very much in agreement with the majority here - classic crank sensor.

It will likely be fine now until the most inconvenient moment possible and will fail with no warning (probably just refuse to start  ).

Strongly recommend you buy a new GM sensor and keep it handy (in the boot) for when it does let you down. (it doesn't take long to fit the new one)

Exactly right IMO. I had a spare and used it on another 3.2 with failed crank sensor...but a spare in the boot is highly recommended. If you keep an omega for the cars life, you WILL suffer a failed crank sensor eventually, had two myself, both about 130k miles as it happens.

And it's not feasible to fit a second hand sensor tbh, because removing the old one is not straightforward as it threaded through, and clipped to,  the oil cooler pipes. To remove fully you have to cut the wire or remove the oil pipes by the oil filter and thread the old sensor wire out from that end, and who's going to bother their arse to do that with a fubar crank sensor? Noboby, if they bother to remove the old sensor at all....

If your anywhere near a tech2 then live data can be viewed on the cts apparently  :-/, but odds are it won't see a failt until it plays up and won't start, then your going nowhere I would have thought. Vague on that theory though, a tech 2 owner could advise maybe.

If it was me though, buy a crank sensor, print off the guide and stick that lot in the boot along with a Jack. Keep pedal tricking for 0335 and hope the code comes, then fit the sensor.

As you say, if the sensor is just fitted blindly, then we will never know.