I've been doing some research into this problem and I think I'm at a dead end. May be looking at more than one problem. Sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesnt. If and when it does crank, it sounds like it might want to start, like the cams or something is out of time, but then after a couple ties it fires right up. replaced the k40 module and CPS. Sometimes it doesnt want to crank at all but that's rare. Not getting any codes related to the engine. Is there anything else I should be checking?

it seems like a sensor failing. crank or cam. i was advised to have my sensors replaced even if no symptoms because not only there is no way to check their condition, but because they can fail unexpectedly. in your case this may be the solution, and is what i suggest you should do as first step. problem is, shops/mechanics dont know or want to take advantage of you. if you have a mechanic that you can trust and knows what to do then you are clear, otherwise you have to replace them yourself. but this depends if you are inclined to do so and have some experience hands on. the cam is easy, the crank is not. i can bring instructions if you want. if you decide to do it yourself, or to take to a service/mechanic, check that they replace them with genuine bosch and give back to you the ones that were installed. if the problem is solved, then you can dispose of them. if not, keep them in your trunk whenever this happens again-and check if they are bosch brand. those are the only 1s that you can trust. tell me how it went. as i said, this is what i would do as 1st step, as this is the most likely cause.

Thanks for the reply. Any hints on where the crank sensor is before I go looking for it? How many cam sensors are on this motor?

Does this motor have some sort of hydraulic variable valve timing?

Replaced the cam and crank sensors with new bosch units and it works fine now.