"01 8.1l Cam Sensor substitute?

bossier62guy · April 10, 2013

This is all I've got left. I'd contact AC Delco and GM Customer Service at this point.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0&_nkw=12572656&_sacat=0&_from=R40

1-800-ACDelco (1-800-223-3526) - Forget calling them....they'll tell you to contact your local AC Delco supplier.

I found that other GM part number by googling your vehicle. I did a quick search, you might want to spend a little more time there....perhaps someone else has already figured out this mystery.

I did run across this as well. I wonder if yours ever had it done?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is directing the recall of 11,974 2001-model-year heavy duty pickups built by General Motors to fix faulty crankshaft position sensors, under NHTSA campaign ID number 07V521000.

Only Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 trucks with 8.1-liter Vortec V8 big block gasoline engines are impacted by the recall.

According to NHTSA's website, the crankshaft position sensor can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates intermittently, the service engine light may illuminate and cause the vehicle to run rough or stall the engine. The engine can be restarted immediately or after a cool down period. If the sensor fails completely, the engine will not run.

GM dealers will replace the crankshaft positioning sensor free of charge when the recall begins in December.

2001 was the first model year for the 8.1-liter Vortec V8, replacing the 7.4-liter V8. The 8.1-liter shared its predecessor's valve and bore centers and diameter, but stroke was increased by 9.4-mm for larger displacement and more power. With 340-horsepower and 455 lb-ft. of torque at 3200-rpm, the 8.1-liter motor beat the power outputs of Ford's and Dodge's V10 engines (275hp and 300hp respectively) from the same period.

bossier62guy · April 10, 2013

One last tidbit of info on the subject....I just read about a guy in another forum that bought a sensor for his 01 only to find out that it had the 02 version installed in his truck. His was a late year model production 01. You may want to go ahead and pull yours before you do anything. This is just ridiculous....

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/6-other-vehicles/9-gm-gassers/473127-8-1-cam-sensor-discontinued.html

Duelin · April 10, 2013

Just for my own curiosity I called Wells Vehicle Electronics and Engine Management. And I just got off the phone with one of their Hot Line Tech Support Rep.. I asked him if they stocked the cam sensor for the 8.1 engine. He said no. And I asked him why. His answer was ask GM. I told him I know GM is not stocking them. He said GM is no longer making them. So I asked him if they still make them. He said we never made them. Everyone that they stocked and sold came from GM. And as far as he knew no after market company made them. All The stock came from GM. He said in order for Wells to make money from that part they would have to produce ar least a 100,000 pieces to make a profit. He also said GM figures there is only about 5000 to 6000 of these vehicles left on the road and they feel that it is not worth their while to produce any more. He said he knows its crazy but their hands are tied. So thats where we stand on that. Anyway I hope you find a dusty one sitting on a shelf some where.

Good Luck

Duelin

bossier62guy · April 10, 2013

Isn't that nice to know that GM has basically washed their hands of the 01 8.1L....

Duelin · April 10, 2013

The last few years has made the automotive industry a completely different animal. Not like it use to be. Most of the mfg. don't make their own parts any more. Everything is out sourced and to a different vendor if it can be made cheaper. (Which usually means cheaper parts). Then they will change vendors. One of the reason for all of the recalls. I was talking to some Ford Tech the other day and the subject of trying to find a part that was obsolete. They told me that they have run into situations where parts were obsolete for vehicles that were still under warranty. And I am sure it is not going to get any better.

mamachala · April 11, 2013

Thanks for your efforts guys. It looks like , as always, it comes down to money. GM doesn't think it is worth their while to make these parts. I wonder what else they don't make for my truck that could render it useless before its time?I will look into that crank sensor recall, I have heard about it but never had a number to refer to, thanks. Yesterday at a Chevy dealership they told me there was not a recall on the crankshaft sensor, loosing faith in GM! Right now I'm waiting to hear from a dealer out of state that has a source for the cam sensor, Maybe?

Jack

bossier62guy · April 11, 2013

I've got a nephew that works at a local GMC dealer in south Louisiana.....he's checking just in case there might be one left on the shelf somewhere down in this area. I'm not holding my breath but it doesn't cost anything to check. Did you read the forum link where the guy w/ the 01 found out he had an 02 style sensor in his truck? Not sure if you've actually removed yours yet but maybe you'll get lucky.

JEEPINKC · April 12, 2013

Send me a pm and I can hook you up.

mamachala · April 13, 2013

Thanks for the offer Jeepinkc, I just got a tracking number for a sensor coming from King GMC in Loveland , CO. hope it's the right one. Apparently they have a line on some of these so if you need one call them . If it's wrong I'll be in touch Jeepinkc.

King GMC-970-292-3452, talk to Ken