Yidney

I will be doing some long 3,000+ mile road trips this summer, so I thought I'd make sure the car is fit and doesn't develop any of those "leave you stranded" issues that seem to be quasi-common. Cost isn't an issue - it's only a couple hundred bucks as an easy DIY and my annual maintenance costs on this car have been very low.

Car only has 63,000 miles, but is now 9 years old.

So does replacing the four cam magnets and the crank position sensor make any sense as prophylactic measure? The cam magnets and cam Hall sensors are weeping just a bit of oil, but I can buy new seals for just a few bucks and do just that if it's stupid to buy sensors as a preventative measure.

Also, do the Hall sensors rarely go bad? Seems like everybody replaces the magnets, but never the Hall sensors.

Rudeney

Other than the TSB, there don't seem to be any reports of failures. I'e replace the seals and keep driving. If you are going to take a long trip and are worried about getting stranded, take a spare CPS sensor with you.

Yidney

What do you mean "other than the TSB"? TSB about what?

Yidney

OK, I think I know what you are referring to now. The TSB for the balance shaft/gear issue also had a section on leaking cam magnets. I'm sure mine are leaking only from the seal, so I'll replace the seals on all four and the four hall sensors. But the crank sensor is the one that fails more often and leaves you stranded. So I think I'll buy a new one just for the heck of it, install it, and keep the old one as a spare.

gaazmon

Later date 272/273 models from what I understand in the TSB only need the seals replaced if you already have the updated magnet part number. My engine fell under scenario two (replace all 4 magnet sensors). 3 have been done, the last one is left (the one that is hardest to reach) so gonna have my indy do that with my service that is due in about a month (it's starting to throw check engine light recently).

Ya the CPS might be a good preventive measure to put your mind at ease. On my previous E320 I drove 300 miles back from Las Vegas, pulled in my driveway, turned the car off, tried to turn the car on again an hour later and it was a no go. Was glad I didn't stop for gas or anything.

tw2

Different engines I know but I have a spare genuine OEM CPS and voltage regulator. Not a bad couple of items to have in the glove box.

Rudeney

Yes, the "balance shaft" TSB - scenario 3 is leaking cam solenoid seals.