Hi all, my 1998 Punto cuts out when warmed up, and won't restart until its cooled down some. There's no spark at the distributor when hot and it has stalled - this leads me to believe the engine management isn't getting a signal from the TDC sensor. Now on these engines, is this sensor watching the camshaft or the crankshaft? This is a common problem on the Alfa 4-cyl petrol engines, and it is the crankshaft position sensor that fails when warm (resistance gets too high), but having done a search on here I have seen someone mention cam sensor.. But surely wouldn't the sensor be on the crankshaft as this is turning once per revolution unlike the camshafts which only turn halfway round per revolution?

Hope someone can clarify things with me

Sensor should be on the crankshaft, sometimes they get dirty so may need a wipe over but dont use any chemicals,but sounds like it needs replaceing anyway or could it be the coils breaking down when hot?.

I don't think its the coils.. I'd be very suprised anyway. It cuts out so 'clean', no misfiring or nothing, its just like turning it off with the key. I'll see how I get on tomorrow, looking in the engine bay these things look so simple to work on, I'm used to messing about with a V6 Alfa..

I had exactly the same problem with my 1.2 8v couldnt work it out, was told by a local garage it was the head gasket...after having this changed still had the same problem in the end it was that my thermosat was broken and the engine was overheating and simply refused to work. I dont know if this is whats happerning in your case but after a new thermostat (and a large refund for the head gasket ) It was good as new...ish

Foshcream - I changed my crank sensor today and the problem is gone. Doesn't stall now, idles fine and revs fine. Very happy with the little thing

Pud,

Was the stalling problem fixed by the crank sensor, no more problems after all this time..:idea:

bswift2 said:

Pud,

Was the stalling problem fixed by the crank sensor, no more problems after all this time..:idea:

Click to expand...

Yeah, the crank sensor cured it, however back August it started playing up again, different this time, it would bring on the engine management light, stutter and cut out if revved about 3,500rpm, but only when hot. Once the revs dropped below 3,500rpm, full power would be back.

Changing the crank sensor again cured that problem.