Found that the knock sensor on the passenger side had it's sealent (black shiny stuff) softened. Checked the drivers side sealent was still hard like plastic. Dealer wanted $$$. Labor included removing intake man. On alldatadiy.com found a simple removal using a "special" crows foot open end wrench. Got new knock sensor from dealer in Las vegas, wrench on ebay. Wrenches sides were too wide to fit between runners of intake. Been driving many thousands of miles with no problem. Question, anyone else have this problem? Do you think I should try and get wrench ground down so it can be used or leave well enough alone?

 

If you bought that wrench for that specific purpose you might as well grind it down. Not having the ability to retard your timing on that 1 bank, if the sensor IS going or gone, could result in catalytic converter damage long term not to mention suffering engine performance issues. 2 b honest I'm not sure if just the sealant is gonna be an issue.

 

Thanks for the advise. Guess I should find a machine shop. Wondering if this is a defect in the sensor or is that just a super hot spot around engine? Sensor is functioning fine.

 

If its working fine, no crazy fuel trim variances, and you dont hose down the engine, you may be fine for an indefinite amount of time. But you've got the tool and spare part...just in case....or if you get bored

 

Although I'm retired. Babysitting and Physical Therapy (bad knee)take up a lot of my time. Wish I had more tools and larger garage so I could do more repairs myself. Epoxied the floor but still don't like doing the messy jobs. Try to stay away from under the hood except for oil and filter changes. Found an ex BMW mechanic, now working at texaco station, who agreed to install parts I purchase online. So far that has worked out. O.K. Maybe the next Lottery win will be mine. Jack