Ok, guys, I have it on very good authority that the ol' knock sensor has gone the way of the Dodo. And what a lovely location Ford put it in. So, anyone tackled this job? Am I just in for a frustrating few hours of cussing at it til its done? Just looking for tips and pointers on the process if anyone has any.

I can read the manual and have. So chapter and verse from the Haynes is not necessary.

 

I'm guessing that you've gotten this done by now. Any tips for the rest of us?

What are the symptoms you're seeing for a bad knock sensor? You mentioned the knock sensor as a possible problem item a few months ago in another thread.

 

In was getting rather crappy high end engine performance...i.e. highway speeds in O/D and right after upshifts on uphill climbs like it was bogging down or just way out of time. I changed spark plugs and had evidence of detonation in the #8 cylinder...which if you have dealt with 302's and 351's enough you know is the first cylinder to show signs of problems when they do crop up. So, I changed plugs and have yet to tear into the truck enough to replace the knock sensor. But the lousy engine performance at speeds where knock is most likely to occur solidified the conclusion that the knock sensor is the most likely culprit. I know, I know, I can pull codes to check this but I trust computers about as far as I can throw 'em. Besides there are probably three of four different codes that "could be" knock sensor related. Computer guru's flame away but thats my story.

Anyhow, the knock sensor is down in the valley at the back of the block behind the intake but in front of the air injection cross-over tube from the right cylinder head to the left. 1 1/8" deep well will reach it but the air tube has to be at least loosened. When I do this, I will post more particulars. Time is NOT my friend these days as work is running me ragged....but think of all the $$$$$ to spend on the truck!