not a good pic...can't get anything in there lol
But you can kind of see the build up there. My concern is the where the wires go into the plug...if that's all gunked up and causing the sensor to act funny

 

Probably got goo in the connector.

 

Your choice of cleaner. I have used Green, Purple and Fantastik or engine cleaner; followed with a water rinse.

 

what's the secret....I can't get it to come loose to save my life lol

 

Sorry....I didn't think the first one posted

 

Probably not the crank sensor. Hardly ever is. Could be, but eliminate everything else first.

Trying to understand the problem. First, just to make sure, is this an automatic or manual?

When the tach rpm's surge, do you hear the engine speed rise too?

 

There is usually a "catch lever" on the pigtail side.
If you replace it, you should have the variation relearned. That requires a computer.

 

Thank you everyone. It's all back together, seems to be running fine. I guess time will tell...

 

I would not worry about the gunk on the connectors. Some think of it as a sealant that keeps moisture out. They are built with insulation that is best left alone. You open it up and you are forced to clean it up good and may not be near as good as it was.

 

However, oil is not a good conductor. If it gets between contact surfaces the TTL level signals can get lost or mangled.
One member found that oil migrated UP the harness to the ECM connector and caused a lot of problems.
The insulation on the wires can deteriorate when in contact with oil.