351W Harmonic Balancer/Crank Sensor
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New User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Louisiana
351W Harmonic Balancer/Crank Sensor
I'm trying to replace the harmonic balancer on my 351W (1983) and I noticed that the original had a 4 point "star" pressed to the back. I believe that these points are basically magnetic "pick-up" for the crank sensor. So as the tip of the star gets closer to the sensor it reads full value and this creates the 0-12V ac type signal to the computer. I guess my question is that since I plan to run the engine without the computer...do I need to put this sensor back in? If so, why and how do I connect the signal if the computer is no more?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
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From: Gateway to the West
I am unaware of any computer used to run a 1983 351W. Duraspark ignition was the closest it came to having a "computer". Heck even a 93 doesn't have a CP sensor that I'm aware of. 96 had one and the ONLY thing the crank sensor detects is a misfire. The engine will run fine without it. Albeit it could trigger the CEL but ONLY in a truck equipped with the OBD-II engine management system.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
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I had an '83 CAR that had the star, along with the EEC-III computer that used it, and the EEC-III ignition which had a keyed-in-place distributor, no vacuum advance, all spark advance was computer generated. It also was CFI injection, which I don't think was ever used on trucks. Oh, it was a 302 also.
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From: Louisiana
Thanks for the responses. The computer that I'm speaking about is the EEC. The Haynes and Chilton wiring schematics show a crank sensor going back to the EEC. You should understand that I'm really just learning about trucks/engines so some of my terminology and/or descriptions may be "off" a bit.
I only assume that it's the crank sensor because it looks at the star on the harmonic balancer which is directly connected to the crank shaft. All of the wiring was shot under the hood so I'm trying to piece things back together. I plan to remove the EEC by going back with a MSD ditributor, ignition, and coil. I'll create a completely new dash with gauges and I'm removing the emissions so I don't think the EEC will be needed at all. I just want to make sure that I don't need the star pressed back on the new harmonic balancer since I don't intend to re-use the EEC. I'd love to post a picture of it, but they don't allow that in the threads (unless you guys know something that I don't). I'm really trying to simplfy everything.
I only assume that it's the crank sensor because it looks at the star on the harmonic balancer which is directly connected to the crank shaft. All of the wiring was shot under the hood so I'm trying to piece things back together. I plan to remove the EEC by going back with a MSD ditributor, ignition, and coil. I'll create a completely new dash with gauges and I'm removing the emissions so I don't think the EEC will be needed at all. I just want to make sure that I don't need the star pressed back on the new harmonic balancer since I don't intend to re-use the EEC. I'd love to post a picture of it, but they don't allow that in the threads (unless you guys know something that I don't). I'm really trying to simplfy everything.
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