[SOLVED] Tool to R&R knock sensor on S-10 4.3L

Raylo · 06-29-2008, 05:04 PM

My turn for a problem... I was replacing the intake manifold gaskets on my truck and went to remove some electrical connectors for clearance and managed to break the plastic insulator on the drivers side knock sensor. I tried removing it but the nut just turns the "insides" of the sensor and not the housing that screws the whole thing into the head. I am at a loss as to how to remove the darned thing. Pipe wrench??? Here are a couple pictures of the action and a link to the new part for perspective.

http://www.partsamerica.com/productd...pe=412&PTSet=A

**mack1** · 07-01-2008, 08:40 PM

Hi Raylo,

That looks like a tough one. Using a wire welder to weld the outside to the inside crosses my mind. Not really much room for a pipe wrench. Also, it looks like the outside part is thick sheet metal. I'd do some soaking in light oil or othe solvent before putting too much force on it.

Wishing you best of luck,
Mack1

BUDFAN8 · 07-02-2008, 01:26 AM

that truck dont like you very much raylo.

but i like mack1's idea of wire welding it then may turn into an easy fix.

Bud.

Raylo · 07-02-2008, 03:52 AM

Thanks, guys. I like the weld idea but I don't have a welder. Been soaking in PB Blaster all week. I am thinking of using a micro-butane torch to heat up the bolt shank and the head where it goes in to try to release the red thread lock it was installed with. You guys ever have any luck using heat on the red? I never use anything sronger than blue myself.

BUDFAN8 · 07-02-2008, 01:53 PM

never had to use the heat usually comes on out pretty easy. if you can get a good solid hit on the tool your going to use i think it will unthread easily. the quick instant force works for me most of the time when lock tight has been applied.

also invest in a wire welder they are cheap nowadays and you dont need a real good one but they sure are handy when brackets break, seated headless bolts round thier hole, making special tools to fit certain jobs, and much more.

good luck
Bud.

Raylo · 07-02-2008, 03:25 PM

Can't get a solid hit on the knock sensor. Even before it spun on me the hex on is is so round and tapered by design that a socket just doesn'twant to grip very well. And I am even afraid to do a solid hit on the undamaged temp sensor for fear of rounding. Guess I am gonna have to got over that and just do it.... then perhaps try the heat and channel locks on the knock sensor. I'll let you guys know what transpires when I get a chance to get at it.

Raylo · 07-02-2008, 03:49 PM

Can't get a solid hit on the knock sensor. Even before it spun on me the hex on it is so round and tapered by design that a socket just doesn't want to grip very well. And I am even afraid to do a solid hit on the undamaged temp sensor for fear of rounding. Guess I am gonna have to get over that and just do it.... then perhaps try the heat and channel locks on the knock sensor. I'll let you guys know what transpires when I get a chance to get at it.

Raylo · 07-02-2008, 04:53 PM

Got that mofo! I used a micro-butane torch to heat and vise grips. No finess, just brute strength. :-)

dcraker · 07-02-2008, 05:58 PM

yay for you, glad you got it off, must have felt good to finally get this out.

had one question though, this thread?

Raylo · 07-02-2008, 06:05 PM

Not sure what your question is. I replaced the radiator and I was in the middle of doing the intake man gaskets and a new fuel pressure regulator and CPI "nut kit" (fuel lines) when I had my misfortune with the KS. I'll try to wrap up the intake this weekend and be back on the road. This truck isn't a mileage champ but it uses cheaper (and less) gas than my Camaro. :-) I guess I can mark that other thread "solved" as the new rad and/or the intake should solve the oil in coolant issue.

BUDFAN8 · 07-03-2008, 08:49 AM

glad it came loose for you raylo. hope the knuckles are still in one piece.

Bud.

07-01-2008, 08:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
mack1 TSF Articles Team Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Texarkana, Texas Posts: 761 OS: xp sp2 My System	Re: Tool to R&R knock sensor on S-10 4.3L Hi Raylo, That looks like a tough one. Using a wire welder to weld the outside to the inside crosses my mind. Not really much room for a pipe wrench. Also, it looks like the outside part is thick sheet metal. I'd do some soaking in light oil or othe solvent before putting too much force on it. Wishing you best of luck, Mack1 __________________ "If you like yourself others will like you also" me "Don't drink downstream from the herd" Will Rogers Submit New Articles Here

07-02-2008, 01:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
BUDFAN8 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 193 OS: XP	Re: Tool to R&R knock sensor on S-10 4.3L that truck dont like you very much raylo. but i like mack1's idea of wire welding it then may turn into an easy fix. Bud.

07-02-2008, 03:52 AM	#4 (permalink)
Raylo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 292 OS: XP Desktop, Vista HP Notebook, XP Notebook	Re: Tool to R&R knock sensor on S-10 4.3L Thanks, guys. I like the weld idea but I don't have a welder. Been soaking in PB Blaster all week. I am thinking of using a micro-butane torch to heat up the bolt shank and the head where it goes in to try to release the red thread lock it was installed with. You guys ever have any luck using heat on the red? I never use anything sronger than blue myself.

07-02-2008, 01:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
BUDFAN8 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 193 OS: XP	Re: Tool to R&R knock sensor on S-10 4.3L never had to use the heat usually comes on out pretty easy. if you can get a good solid hit on the tool your going to use i think it will unthread easily. the quick instant force works for me most of the time when lock tight has been applied. also invest in a wire welder they are cheap nowadays and you dont need a real good one but they sure are handy when brackets break, seated headless bolts round thier hole, making special tools to fit certain jobs, and much more. good luck Bud.

07-02-2008, 03:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
Raylo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 292 OS: XP Desktop, Vista HP Notebook, XP Notebook	Re: Tool to R&R knock sensor on S-10 4.3L Can't get a solid hit on the knock sensor. Even before it spun on me the hex on is is so round and tapered by design that a socket just doesn'twant to grip very well. And I am even afraid to do a solid hit on the undamaged temp sensor for fear of rounding. Guess I am gonna have to got over that and just do it.... then perhaps try the heat and channel locks on the knock sensor. I'll let you guys know what transpires when I get a chance to get at it.

07-02-2008, 03:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
Raylo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 292 OS: XP Desktop, Vista HP Notebook, XP Notebook	Re: Tool to R&R knock sensor on S-10 4.3L Can't get a solid hit on the knock sensor. Even before it spun on me the hex on it is so round and tapered by design that a socket just doesn't want to grip very well. And I am even afraid to do a solid hit on the undamaged temp sensor for fear of rounding. Guess I am gonna have to get over that and just do it.... then perhaps try the heat and channel locks on the knock sensor. I'll let you guys know what transpires when I get a chance to get at it.

07-02-2008, 05:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
dcraker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 62 OS: Windows 2000	Re: Tool to R&R knock sensor on S-10 4.3L yay for you, glad you got it off, must have felt good to finally get this out. had one question though, this thread? __________________ Thanks, David If you cover it in chocolate, it'll look better.

07-02-2008, 06:05 PM	#10 (permalink)
Raylo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 292 OS: XP Desktop, Vista HP Notebook, XP Notebook	Re: [SOLVED] Tool to R&R knock sensor on S-10 4.3L Not sure what your question is. I replaced the radiator and I was in the middle of doing the intake man gaskets and a new fuel pressure regulator and CPI "nut kit" (fuel lines) when I had my misfortune with the KS. I'll try to wrap up the intake this weekend and be back on the road. This truck isn't a mileage champ but it uses cheaper (and less) gas than my Camaro. :-) I guess I can mark that other thread "solved" as the new rad and/or the intake should solve the oil in coolant issue.

07-03-2008, 08:49 AM	#11 (permalink)
BUDFAN8 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 193 OS: XP	Re: [SOLVED] Tool to R&R knock sensor on S-10 4.3L glad it came loose for you raylo. hope the knuckles are still in one piece. Bud.