Busted off Crankshaft Position Sensor UH OH

[mikmic2]

Well I did it this time. I have a 1992 Grand Prix with a 3.1.
The crankshaft Position Sensor that is located on the back of the block, would not come out of the hole. It appeared loose when I took the bolt out. I could spin it and it just appeared the o-ring was still attached to the block.

So I reach between the Transmission and the block with a seal puller tool, and pryed. Well about a 1/4 inch down past the seal, the sensor breaks off.

Believe it or not, with a right angle drill adapter and a long extension and my cordless screw gun, I managed to drill a few holes in what was left of the sensor. I then tried to screw a screw into the holes I drilled, and attempted to pull it out. NO GO!!

Now I figure I have to take the starter, the front motor mount, and try to get the oil pan off.

Does anybody know if I can get the oil pan off this way?

It appears if I remove the starter and the front motor mount bracket that goes around the front of the pan towards the harmonic balancer, I should be able to lift the engine up enough to slide the pan out. But I don't know.

I was hoping somebody else has snapped off one of these sensors and has some advice for me.

Maybe I won't even be able to get to the sensor from inside the block, I don't even know. I didn't want to attempt this, only to find out, I can't even get to the other side of the sensor to attempt to push it back out the hole.

If anybody has some advice, I would surely listen.

What a mess. LOL

[mikmic2]

I did find this little article on the net.

"Most crank sensors that mount into the engine block are a type of plastic to insulate the center metal portion. they have broken off on me before and after several dosings of penetrant oil, they will sometimes come loose and pull out. If not, the o-ring that keeps the oil inside the motor is the culprit. I have had good luck heating a 1/8 metal rod, red hot and inserting it into the broken portion of the sensor, trying to keep it as close to the center as possible. Once this has been accomplished, take a long wood screw and thread it into the hole made. then, use a fork type lever to pry on the screw to draw the broken portion out of the block. Be certain to use steady even pulling force on the screw and normally it will pull right out. If all else fails, drop the pan, rotate the crank ring out of the way and drive the broken portion into the block, afterwards simply clean the hole out good and install the sensor and pan gasket!!"
Found it here. <http://www.faqfarm.com/Q/How_do_you_get_a_crank_sensor_out_of_a_1990_Buick_ engine_if_part_of_it_has_broken_off>

However, they didn't even mention what engine they had. So I am hoping that I can get the oil pan off of this 3.1 without removing the engine.

I was thinking about just trying to position my crankshaft in the right position and just knocking the busted off piece into the pan, and leaving it there. What is the worst that could happen with a piece of plastic bouncing around in your oil pan? LOL

Don't they have magnets in oil pans? Maybe with the metal core of this piece, it would just stick to the magnet, if there is one. :=)

As always any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[richtazz]

That oil pan is a PITA to get out. The front motor mount is all over in the way, and it may require dropping the passenger side cradle down. I know mechanics that just drive them through into the pan and leave them. I wouldn't do it this way, but they claim it won't hurt a thing. They say the magnet in the sensor will keep it stuck to the pan and out of the crank.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by richtazz

That oil pan is a PITA to get out. The front motor mount is all over in the way, and it may require dropping the passenger side cradle down. I know mechanics that just drive them through into the pan and leave them. I wouldn't do it this way, but they claim it won't hurt a thing. They say the magnet in the sensor will keep it stuck to the pan and out of the crank.

Did the drive it into the pan deal 2x, never had a problem ( that I know of)!

[mikmic2]

Thanks for the replies, I think were going to try the knock it in and replace method. Wil let you know how things go.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by mikmic2

Thanks for the replies, I think were going to try the knock it in and replace method. Wil let you know how things go.

May have to rotate the crank to clear the reluctor.

[mikmic2]

I was going to try to just rotate the crankshaft by hand, and keep pushing in on the sensor, until it feels like it will start to drop. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks

[richtazz]

That is what I was going to suggest. Just be gentle and don't force it. If Max says it will work with no problems, then it must be ok, he knows his stuff. I don't like suggesting something that I heard unless I've done it myself.