P1345 code and won't pass CA smog

[Lavey]

Hi guys,
2002 Astro
145000 mi
4.3 V6
Ca vehicle
I had my van throw the P1345 code last summer and I chose to get a ScanGauge II to clear the code. I now need to smog the van and the code keeps coming up so it won't pass smog. I know I should have fixed this earlier but hey I'm lazy!! Anyway I already checked the crank sensor and pulled and cleaned it off. I could find no wiring issues in the short (4") part of the loom before it went into a larger loom. When the code first came on I had done no recent work on the van so I didn't change or alter anything to start this. I will need to get this code to stay off so the computer will recalibrate. I was told that the recalibration would take about 80 -100 miles without a code. So far that is not possible. The code if reset using the ScanGauge will come back on prior to the 80 - 100 mile point! Here's what I did yesterday:
Removed crank sensor,
Cleaned crank sensor,
Checked wiring,
Cleared code with ScanGauge,
Disconnected battery for 5 minutes,
during some cookie dough deliveries last night the check engine light stayed out,
but it came on today when I started the van to leave church!!

What can I do to get this code off an my van to pass the smog check (preferrably in the next few days).

Thanks,
Doug

[LiftedAWDAstro]

What about putting in a new crank sensor?

[Lavey]

Well from what I've read the crank sensor is not the problem. The crank sensor throws a different code and when it fails the van does not start and/or the RPMs seem to double periodically when idling. I will probably pull the engine cover and check for play in the distributor.

[Cobra]

my memory is a little foggy but that code looks familiar to me. I replaced the crank position sensor and it went away

[Lavey]

I pulled the distributor and found the drive gear was very worn. I could have replaced the gear for $50 but I opted for a new distributor because there was some excessive vertical movement. I replaced the distributor and cleared the light and it has not come on since. It passed smog with no prob after the recalibration period.
Doug

[WoodButcher]

Thanks for the follow up.
So the sensor was doing it's job and pointing at the distributor?

I got it.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index ... 239AAUuVwv

[Lavey]

So as stated above I replaced the distributor and now here we are 20 months and 25000 miles later and I have the same code (P1345). I pulled the distributor and found the gear just as worn as it was on the distributor I replaced. The replacement distributor is an ACDELCO from Rock Auto (# 12598210). Any idea why this would have worn out so quickly? Distributor hold down was tight, oil is changed regularly (Mobil 1 Synthetic).
I will just change the gear this time but am wondering what gear to get - ACDelco, ACCEL, Standard or ??

Thanks, Doug

[Stroverlander]

This is may have been one of those components where you're better off replacing with a cheaper aftermarket alternative like the all-aluminum housing units from WPS or United.

The 4.3L is sort of known for distributor gear wear so nothing too unusual with what you got out of the original.

You're probably better off with any other brand distributor gear than the OE Delco this time around.

[Lavey]

Well I just ordered the WPS / POWER SELECT DST1639 ($52.79). I also ordered the Distributor Drive gear but unfortunately I only found ACDelco ($38). But the complete distributor with rotor and cap is worth the $15 anyway!!
Rock Auto on both. Will install and see how things work!!

Doug