I'm in the process of of doing the HG's. Got the heads back form the machine shop where where they cleaned and milled. they look great. I have managed to get about 15lbs of oil and dirt ( consistency of grease used on Navy ships) and one thing that appeared thru muck on the drivers side is the CPS. I'm a big believer in corrective maintenance prevents corrective maintenance( up to a point.) so I am wondering since I have easy access right now, should I go ahead and replace the CPS? Car has 180K on it.

 

Do you mean the CKPS (crankshaft position sensor)? Maybe, but how long have you had the truck and do you know if/when it was already replaced?

But, if I recall correctly, replacing the CKPS isn't made easier by having the top end of the engine removed. The wiring harness connector is the most difficult part of the job, and it's on the back of the engine. But maybe it's easier to reach. I don't remember exactly; it's been 10 years since the CKPS in my truck failed at 112,000 miles.

But back to your question --- sure, replace it now if it's easier to do. It's not that expensive, and you never know when it's going to fail. Very unpredictable, but starting now with a fresh one's not a bad idea.

 

Yes I mean the CKPS. I have had the truck since it had 55k on it and I have never done it and I'm at 180k. I just watched a video from lucky 8 and they came from the bottom but the exhaust manifold was removed. I'm all the way done to the block and I can see it plainly from the top of the drivers side.

 

I'd do it. The manifolds being loose will help you get at it better. Yeah, the plug is the difficult part, but as it sits, with head off and manifold movable...this will help some. Just be sure to pay attention to where the little round spacers go, while removing.

Made a tool to help hold upper portion of plug, since it's hard to get two hands up there from underneath. I snag the upper plug, just above plastic portion of plug, looping the cresent shaped portion of the tool around wires, kind of come in between inner fender and frame with tool...holding with left hand, also using the vise-grips for added leverage and length, and push the plug in with my right hand.

Tool...



The tool is easily made, out of round tubing, if you don't have an old brake tool lying around.

 

Neat tool Deputy! When I watched the AB video on doing the HG's they told you how to disconnect the plug from the bracket which I did so I have a clear view of the connection:


Yeah, yeah I know there is enough grease and crud down there to lube the tracks on an M1A1 Abrams MBT!