In the middle of Water Pump and Complete Thermostat Housing replacement (both are off the truck now)

The wire that leads underneath the upper intake to the Knock sensor is damaged (one wire is broke and far enough back i cannot repair it)

It looks like it is attached to the sensor with a single nut on top? Is this correct? I imagine I can reach with a long wrench and remove nut , pull the wiring connector off, repair it and re-connect it.

I am going to get a better flashlight and look closer. I see Auto Parts store has the whole harness from sensor to plug in on side of upper intake passenger side. (two wires)

 

Looks like it is a bolt that holds the sensor against the top of the engine block. Wonder if i can do it w/o removing Upper intake? Anybody ever attempt?

 

Used a ratchet with pvc pipe extension.

 

Yep, looks like a critter made a meal of that KnockSensor cable; mice love to nest in that cave under the manifold.
Consider a new left OilPressurized TimingTensioner, if it's got over 75kMiles, while ThermoStatHousing is conveniently out of the way?
Hope a new Aluminum ThermoStatHousing is replacing old junk plastic one?

More info at
https://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fa...mingTensioners
https://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fa...ant_ThermoStat

 

had already bought the plastic replacement housing some months ago as I noticed a slow lose of coolant.

Wished I saw your post before I finished the job (timing tensioner)

 

All buttoned up. Truck runs great...no hesitation at 45-50 mph any more. Overall runs stronger. Knock sensor wires must of been bad for years!

 

Good news!