[John Wood]

Check the thickness of the paper spacer. Realizing that it gets swept away on the first rotation of the flex plate, that would tell us that the actual gap is less than the paper spacer thickness. Since the flexplate can not be 100% true (i.e. a perfect diameter over 360 degrees), the spacer is likely there to help prevent contact between the widest part of the plate and the bottom of the sensor. Any contact, of course, would make noise and possibly damage the sensor. It is my understanding that too close a gap is only a concern for contact with the plate, but too wide a gap will reduce the Hall-Effect pulse and potentially cause missed pulses, missfiring, and error codes.

 

[Ray Green]

Does anyone know the value of the gap for the CPS. Prior to reading this thread I asked a transmission tech who suggested .040`` which is considerably larger than Johns 1/64`` or .016``

AAP has those paper shims that you put on the end of the sensor. Part number CSS919, $3.49

 

[ImperialCrown]

I usually just tear off a small corner of an oil filter box and stick it on the sensor tip for setting clearance.

 

[John Wood]

I've stacked a half a dozzen post-it notes and cut about a 3/8 X 3/8 sq in (cut on the sticky side). If the sensor is clean this will stick long enough to set the sensor in and tighten it up.

Nice to know you can buy the spacer at AAP and I hope they give you a few in the package for that price.

 

[Aldergrove]

If it is crucial to know the actual thickness of Chrysler's paper shim, you can contact a piano technician or a piano supply warehouse who will sell you dozens or give you a shim. In piano service, the keyboard height is regulated by adding or subtracting paper punchings. Consistant Precision and unifrom tolerances are required in setting up grand piano and upright piano keyboards enabling advanced pianistic skill to be expressed There are a large variety of sizes available ,so knowing the exact thickness can get you the a perfect replacement.

I've stacked a half a dozzen post-it notes and cut about a 3/8 X 3/8 sq in (cut on the sticky side). If the sensor is clean this will stick long enough to set the sensor in and tighten it up.

Nice to know you can buy the spacer at AAP and I hope they give you a few in the package for that price.

 

[Ray Green]

Nice to know you can buy the spacer at AAP and I hope they give you a few in the package for that price.

The picture on their web page shows 20. The description doesn't say how many are there but I'm sure it's several.

 

[tommyinajar]

Update: It's been a while and didn't post it-but the flexplate mounting flange was almost completely broke free. Replaced the flexplate with a Advance Auto parts one (Had to enlarge one hole, absolutely would NOT line up otherwise). Started right up and ran fine.

FYI for anyone who is worried about pulling it apart without seeing the cracks first. I found a point of reference on a bracket and watched the torque converter mounting bolts in relation to the bracket as it passed by- There was over a 1/2 inch of wobble (closer & farther between one bolt compared to another bolt and bracket). If its doing that you are the victim of the cheap flexplate.

 

[98gcawd]

Thanks for the update, I may be headed in that direction with my mess. I think I'll get a scan tool first - need one anyway.

 

[kloudie1]

2001 PT, Manual Trans, 115000 miles. Started intermittent coughing while driving mostly at end of heat soak. Code reader showed no codes nor any pending.. Driving interstate .. was as if ignition turned off.. No restart or even sputter. Towed back home and then reader showed P0340- cam position sensor. Changed with part from AutoZone.. worked until it got hot then went intermittent then went dead.. Returned "lifetime warranty" part to Autozone and got credit.. Went to Chrysler and bought MOPAR (5093508AA) and installed it.. seems to be fine but it worried me that it, like the autozone one is made in China.