I've read the FSM on changing the crank sensor on my 98 Ranger 2.5 it says to remove the belt, alternator, heater hose, lower radiator hose, and hose connector. Is all of it necessary or can you do it with just removing the alternator? I can't tell. Or is there more the FSM didn't say? I want to know before I take it apart. It also says there is an O-ring on the water pump/heater hose connector that may need to be replaced. But I don't see a Ford part number for it. Any idea where to get one so I have it just in case?

 

According to youtube that sensor is on the driver side front of motor way down low held on by 2 bolts

 

That was the cam sensor which I changed. It only has 1 bolt though. The crank sensor is on the passenger side front somewhere behind the alternator. Ford says you have to remove the heater outlet pipe connector which I've never had to remove. It's bolted onto the water pump or the block and uses an o-ring. I see with a new water pump two o-rings come with it. I guess the smaller one is for this connector. I need that o-ring but don't want to buy a water pump just for it and I can't find a number for it. Do they usually break when taken out? Or do I even have to take it off or just the alternator?

 

Just in case anyone with a 2.5 has to change this crank sensor. It took me a little more than removing the alternator and water pump inlet tube to get it off. I had to remove the alternator bracket in order to actually remove the crank sensor and install it. Be sure that the plastic water pump inlet tube is pushed all the way in the water pump because you can't put it on while the alternator bracket is off since it bolts to it. It's nerve racking doing that and then to find out the water pump outlet isn't in all the way which starts leaking. Luckily mine hasn't. It would be a good time to change the water pump too with easy access but I didn't eventhough I had a brand new one. Also make sure you put a new oring on the water pump inlet tube outlet again to prevent leakage. I couldn't find it separate so I had to order one from a water pump.