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I will be attempting to replace my knock sensor this weekend and I'm looking for advice on the best way to do it. I have a Haynes manual but the process in the book sounds like it's a lot of work. It says to remove the intake manifold but I really don't want to do this. I can also see the sensor without the manifold being removed. Can the sensor be replaced without removing the intake manifold? How much coolant will drain from the sensor? Do I need to drain the entire cooling system? The Haynes manual also says that the new sensor will have thread sealant already on it but the sensor I got doesn't even have a new screw on it. Do I have to put some kind of sealant on my old bolt? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Socket with an extension will do it, might need a flexible attachement, but that's doubtful. No coolant will drain out (never has for me) I haven't ever used sealent either.

MK

sullione wrote:I will be attempting to replace my knock sensor this weekend and I'm looking for advice on the best way to do it. I have a Haynes manual but the process in the book sounds like it's a lot of work. It says to remove the intake manifold but I really don't want to do this. I can also see the sensor without the manifold being removed. Can the sensor be replaced without removing the intake manifold? How much coolant will drain from the sensor? Do I need to drain the entire cooling system? The Haynes manual also says that the new sensor will have thread sealant already on it but the sensor I got doesn't even have a new screw on it. Do I have to put some kind of sealant on my old bolt? Any help is greatly appreciated.

I don't think the treads tap into a coolant path? It just bolts to the block and listens for bad sounds. I had my intake off when I did mine...but I think you can do it without taking the intake off. One 10MM bolt and a clip holding the connecter on.

as mTk said .. Simply remove the sensor with an extention, and replace.. no sealant, to water drain, no intake removal.. nothing

I did mine without removing anything. The area that the sensor is in I lovingly call the pit of dispair. It has nothing to do with the coolant system and you don't need sealant or anything either. Just make sure to clean the area that sensor makes contact with the block until it is shiney clean, that's very important.

Well, I did it. It took me about 2 hours and a few scrapes to swap out the knock sensor and the AFT filter. SO far, the results have impressed me. The hesitation is gone and the rpms get up there pretty darn fast but I'll have to wait till tomorrow when it gets hot. I think the cooler night air may be giving me a false impression but as I said before, I'm very impressed!