HELP! 1999 Vortec 5.7

OK, finally got Dad's 1999 Tahoe back together. Had the heads off in September getting, then last month the bottom end decided that it no longer liked it's bearings. So it got a crank kit, rings, cam bearings, gaskets and a hone job. Put it all back in/together today, go to fire it up and ....... nothing.

I have no spark and it instantly throws code P0336, which comes up bad crank sensor. Checked the connections and wiring harness, all are tight and good. Is this really just a bad crank sensor or am I missing something here?

EDIT: I have 12 volts to the coil and the ignition module both.

If its hooked up at the crank sensor and hooked up at the computer, I'd guess crank sensor. Unless you got the plugs mixed up or something.

You could check continuity back to the PCM on the crank sensor wires. Make sure none of the connector pins have set back and are not connecting.

It probably is just that. They're fairly common to go out on those things. You could always check the old one by ohming it out. If it's open, it's bad.

Spoolpigeon wrote: It probably is just that. They're fairly common to go out on those things. You could always check the old one by ohming it out. If it's open, it's bad.

+1

Did you remember to put the trigger wheel on the crank before you put the timing cover on?

(Yes, I do have to ask. Yes, I nearly did this once.)

Well, I unplugged the sensor and plugged it back in and now have spark. The new issue is the backfiring up through the throttle body. Going to try turning the dist 180 and go from there.

Just replaced the crank sensor my 99.

It's probably broken/worn pins in the connector. GM connectors are only good for three or four connections before they are suspect. Sometimes not even that.

Turned the dist 180 and it purrs like a kitten. Finally this damn thing can leave my garage.

Nice! Happy new year for you.

berkeley. So, I bring it in to work to make sure it runs well etc. Ran great. All the misc spilled/leaked fluid burned off and that "new engine smell" was wearing off. HEad out for lunch, check the oil (spot on), check coolant (a little low, but to be expected considering it was bone dry 2 days ago) but nothing to worry about. Checked previous wet spots for signs of leakage, nothing.

Awesome! Right? Nope. Starter decided that it wants to no longer engage the flywheel before spinning. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? Why can't I catch a break with this thing?

pull the solenoid off the starter... i don't know if they are still built like the old ones, but there used to be a copper ring inside it that you could turn to a fresh spot and get another 10 years/100,000 miles out of it with no money and only about a half hour of time spent on it..

also, don't know what part of the country you are located in, but i recently had the starter in my 87 GMC do just what yours did after i drove it thru some slushy stuff and then the temps went down to -20 or so the next night and it froze up inside the starter... my "fix" was to rap on the side of the starter nose gently with a 16oz curved claw hammer to break the ice free..

It just started snowing here, nothing on the ground. Literally started snowing as I went out to lunch. I'm going to try to "knock it loose" to get it home with the friendly persuasion of a hammer. If not, I'll pick up a starter tonight, drag that bitch into the shop and pay someone to put it on.

This starter was replaced about a year ago. Go figure. At least it has a warranty.

How is the charge on the battery? Starter spinning without fully engaging the flywheel is usually a sign of not enough juice to kick the solenoid in all the way.

So got the starter out, the front bushing had decided it wanted to destroy itself into a bajillion shavings. Had the wife pick me up, headed to AZ with it and the battery. Had them check the battery and it was good (12.5V, tested good at 700CCA). He got ready to test the starter and I showed him all the pretty brass shavings everywhere... he handed me a new one.

Got it in, got it home and it's runnign great. Goes home with Dad tonight! YAY!

Dad's going to be happy - nice work!

It's fine that Dad will be more important is how happy the WIFE will be. Apparently 4 months is too long to work on someone else's car in the garage.