Cam Position Sensor - Normal to be gunked up like this...?

[betyouaint]

While investigating a Cam Sensor code I pulled the sensor to check it. Below is a picture of what it looked like immediately after removal. The sensor tip was covered with gunk comprised of oil and fine metal particles, like a mag oil plug.

My questions are:

Is it normal to find the sensor in this condition after 120,000 miles?

How much does this affect the magnetic field that the hall effect sensor uses to perform its function? And is it likely to cause issues and possibly codes?

[Jake@JHM]

Do you have a photo that is focused?

[Charles.waite]

Do you have a photo that is focused?

Lulz.

It is focused though Jake. Just on the table, not the part. Jeeze.

[betyouaint]

Do you have a photo that is focused?

I have lots... just none that include a gunked up cam sensor. Just squint your eyes a bit, it'll be fine...!!!

[Jake@JHM]

Didn't work =[

[betyouaint]

How's this one...? A little more focused (unlike me when I was taking the shot) but no flash so you can't really see the metal particles.

[Jake@JHM]

How's this one...? A little more focused (unlike me when I was taking the shot) but no flash so you can't really see the metal particles.

broken

[billyhoyle]

That one didn't show up at all

Edit: it works in Jake's quote. Weird

[Jake@JHM]

Is that only oil on it? Kind of looks like petroleum jelly.

Metal shavings aren't good though. Have you checked your cam follower?

[betyouaint]

broken

What...? The camera or the sensor...?

[billyhoyle]

Pretty sure he meant the picture was broken.

[ShadowofBob]

Metal shavings aren't uncommon due to wear from the cam follower. Mine had them on it even after the PO's dealer did the Cam follower, camshaft, and fuel pump at some point. Clean the debris off and check your cam follower for wear if you haven't already. The debris shouldn't affect the sensors ability to get a good reading so if you having trouble maybe test and replace the sensor if necessary.

[Jake@JHM]

What...? The camera or the sensor...?

Pretty sure he meant the picture was broken.

yeah, when I quoted you the pic was broken. Then it magically worked some how.

[betyouaint]

yeah, when I quoted you the pic was broken. Then it magically worked some how.

Yeah... it was a bad URL for about 20 seconds. You managed to hit the window.

hpfp, cam and follower all replace around 10,000 miles ago under extended warranty... Maybe that's where it came from then? Glad Audi did such a good job of cleaning up after themseleves.