Camshaft position sensor '97 2.7 Tacoma

Hi all,

I posted here a few years back and you all were very helpful when I replaced the block on this truck.
I now live in a rural area of OK, with only 1 mechanic within 15 miles who I have little confidence.
A P0348 code for the camshaft position sensor is showing with a check engine light that has been showing since I installed this engine. It had no cover on the distributor opening, so I called the reputable folks I bought the engine from in Washington who sent me the cover. They were surprised and thought maybe they sent me the wrong engine with the wrong camshaft. I was told to take the sensor out and check for the camshaft lobe. I was unable to remove the sensor and was unable to see the camshaft lobe even if I did with all the clutter, so I've been driving on it locally only. They told me it probably wouldn't start if the wrong cam was in it.
The other day it started running very rough, chugging at times and even stalling in idle. Corrective measures in case water in the gas did not help, the fuel filter was replaced when I installed the engine a few years back. The engine stalled again, this time it wouldn't come near starting for 1st time ever, usually starts on 1st try. There is spark and fuel.

Now I'm trying to replace the cam sensor, I raised the throttle body to access the (10m?) sensor bolt head, but the downward angle of the sensor and the closeness of the manifold prevent me from getting the socket securely on the bolt head. I have tried a wrench through the space between the fuel rail and a swivel on the rachet from underneath, both come close, but no success.
1. Is there a special wrench or socket setup that will allow me to get a good hold on that bolt head?
2. Is there a method to check for the camshaft lobe?
They said to use a mirror to look for the lobe when the sensor is removed, but no way I can get a mirror in position to see the camshaft lobe inside the head with all the clutter. Without looking at it, the mechanics I've talked to said it is easy to remove the sensor, what am I missing here?

 

post pics...
try flipping over the wrench your using & you will get a different angle or more throw...
Maybe a fine tooth ratcheting box wrench will get you the throw you need?
Will cutting / shortening the wrench get you anywhere...
Shouldn't have been ignored for 2 years....

 

Thanks for your reply slater, you are right, I shouldn't have waited. I was leery of moving the throttle body.

OK, moved swivel from the ratchet to the end of small extension/10m socket connection, success! Kinda rusty at all this. I tested the sensor with an ohm meter and got 1.16 ohms, the volt meter reads all 0's. Not sure those #'s mean anything.
The only way I can see to check if they have the correct cam installed is to remove the plugs, stick my little pinky finger just enough in the sensor opening, and rotate the motor slowly to feel if the cam lobe comes around.

 

O'Reilly's, 16 mi up 66, had a cam sensor in stock. Of course, when they opened the box, someone had stuck an old used sensor in and reshelved it. At least they can order one for tomorrow, $23.00.
After removing the spark plugs, I was able to turn the engine over at the crank bolt, and a thin rod was carefully inserted into the sensor opening in the head. As the crank stopped turning, I checked the sensor opening with my finger and there was the cam lobe I was looking for. Big relief, the folks in Washington did have the correct cam in.

Thanks again Slater, for the suggestion & push to try adjusting the swivel just enough to get this project moving. What a difference a silly millimeter can make by moving the swivel from the rachet to the end of the extension. Perhaps tomorrow this little monster will start and run properly.