[mccviii]

After some searching on some trouble codes I would get sometimes ( cyl 2 misfire), I read about the crank pos sensor and how the lack of shim on installation might cause timing signal issues etc etc.

was doing some other engine work and so i got a shim and a new sensor to replace at the same time. Pulled the old sensor, and while the sensor itself looked clean, no score marks or anything, there was a more troubling find...

The single small fastener (8mm hex head) was torqued down, but would just spin and not thread outward... using a flat blade screwdriver I was able to pry the sensor and the bracket away from the van... and I found this brass insert on the engine side of the fastener.

3/8-16 UNC x 0.625 PlastiSert Press-Fit Threaded Insert For Plastics - Flush - Bottom Slot - Brass

The 3/8-16 UNC x 0.625 PlastiSert Press-Fit Threaded Insert For Plastics - Flush - Bottom Slot - Brass is also known as E-Z-Lok 240-6-BR or E-Z Press 240-6-BR. Bulk Pricing available.

www.industrialhardware.com

wtf? theres no way this can be proper...

 

[Rod's Trucks]

Yup, probably not stock.
Somebody before you apparently stripped the threads and tried to use that instead of a proper thread repair ( Heli-coil, Thread-Cert, or other proper thread repair), or installed the insert incorrectly (drilled the hole too big)9

Rod J
Issaquah, WA

 

[spyman.steve]

I had the same issue with my van. I couldn't do anything but to use grinding machine and re insert it to the hole and use a 10mm bolt. But I am going to order that insert and fix it properly. Thanks for pointing it out.

 

[MechBob]

It belongs and comes in that hole, from the factory. Replace timing cover, or, clean and epoxy it back in.If you have doubts, clean the cover around the sensor, and glue it in with a glue gun. There are good glue guns, and many different types of feed sticks for them.

 

[Rod's Trucks]

It belongs and comes in that hole, from the factory. Replace timing cover, or, clean and epoxy it back in.If you have doubts, clean the cover around the sensor, and glue it in with a glue gun. There are good glue guns, and many different types of feed sticks for them.

Oh! I had no idea there was a factory insert there. Thanks MechBob, for another learning experience.
I am always happy to learn new stuff.

Rod J
Issaquah, WA

 

[AstroWill]

It helps if you put your year/make/model/engine/AWD/conversion/etc in your profile or signature line so we know what we are working with now and in the future. https://www.astrosafari.com/account/signature

 

[mccviii]

That’s wild. Any info I could find indicated that a split brass fastener like this is for use in plastics etc. {update: looked at the factory service bulletin for the full rebuild and now see that the timing cover is actually a composite material, and is a consumable part. So I guess it checks out}

good to know, thank you for the info, I will add my vehicle info for sure.

haven't had the chance to crawl under and check for drips, but I was also suspect of the new sensor, i had to hold it into/onto the timing case while trying to get the fastener in. I figured the o-ring on the new sensor would have the proper sizing to keep the sensor in. Just a curiosity.

checked the oil level and it seems like there’s no appreciable leaking @ this time but it would still be good to verify cleanliness.

 

[mccviii]

sensor and surrounding areas is still clean and dry. great!

what's not so great is that now instead of the Cyl2 Misfire while under load, i get a random multiple misfire code. The engine has been running beautifully, no symptoms besides the code. cleared it twice so far, returns eventually.

i have a bluetooth live data reader connected to the OBD Fusion app on my phone, pretty robust little system for the price. any tips on what i might try to monitor from here on out?

 

[AstroWill]

When you replace the sensor, you have to do a CKP System Variation Learn, otherwise you can get false random misfires.

 

[mccviii]

copy that.
found the thread about crank re-learns. probably will just let it ride, as the van is working great in the meantime, and deal with it once Illinois state mandated emissions testing time comes around.

thanks!