Today i removed my crankshaft sensor, for 22 years i haven't touch it except one time that i have removed the plug to spray the pins.

I had a problem the very next day when the car turned-off itself and told me that maybe the ECU kept it as a fault so it's wise to never mess with it again because it needs to be tighten in specific Nm torque etc.

Today i decide to remove the screw so i removed both battery poles first, i noticed that there was no washer, the pins were OK but the main sensor was dirty, had some spots like rust.I cleaned gently the sensor and i put it back with just a simple wrench (i have not a Torque wrench) but i noticed that beneath the Knock sensor the area was full of oxidation.

 

 

The spot that you see is from my finger because i touch it, so can i do anything about it? I didn't want to spray or do anything before i consulted you.

Have you seen it in your car? Should i let it as is or not?

Edited 12 February, 20224 yr by Gizmo
Op’s request

Are you sure that is the knock sensor?

 

Hard to tell from the photo but that looks like the bellhousing with the flywheel showing, in which case it will be a TDC or flywheel position sensor.

 

The knock sensor would normally be fitted on the upper side of the engine block.

35 minutes ago, J.R. said:

Are you sure that is the knock sensor?

 

 

Whops! It's the Crank sensor

 

 

I have found an older photo, it's beside the gear box.

 

 

 

Crankshaft Position Sensor

047907319 A

Edited 12 February, 20224 yr by D.FYLAKTOS

Can i do anything for this rust or if i make an attempt will make things worst?

It's something natural so must i leave it as is?

On the other hand a dirty crankshaft sensor what false signs can give to the ECU?

Quote

@nta16

I do not know but I do not think the rust below the sensor is a problem unless it is only in that one spot for some reason.

 

https://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/crankshaft-position-sensor-code/

 

This must be that rusty spot

 

 

 

If it's the only rusty spot i can remove it gently of course.

_________________________

 

One of the symptoms of a bad crankshaft sensor is:

 

7. Decreases Overall Fuel Economy

 

Inaccurate timing information coming from the crankshaft position sensor affects fuel economy. This is because the fuel injectors will not be able to pump gas into the engine efficiently. This will result in the engine using more gas than usual, whether during long or short drives. Thus, decreasing overall fuel economy.

The crankshaft position sensor has a great impact on smooth engine functionality and performance. The sensor provides a vital signal for engine calculations. Problems with the sensor quickly lead to issues that impact the drivability of the vehicle.

 

https://roadsumo.com/crankshaft-position-sensor/

 

I don't think that my sensor is ''damaged'' but i wonder the rust on that spot plus the dirt on that sensor maybe helped a little bit for a bad mileage?

The comment about rust in one spot was more about how that would happen, surely if there is rust in that spot it is also in the rest of the reluctor ring as it is made of the same material.  I can not see a bit of dirt, unless it is metal bits, can make any odds.

 

You do not have decreased overall fuel economy, in fact quite the opposite with recent increased overall fuel economy.

 

Lacking accurate timing information from the crankshaft position sensor, fuel injectors won't pump gas into the engine efficiently.  The engine will use more gas than it needs on short and long drives, reducing overall fuel economy. Have a mechanic inspect the sensor — as insufficient fuel economy can occur from other issues as well.

 

https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-crankshaft-position-sensor

 

The rust is fragile, the spot is from my finger because i touch it.

The sensor has not a gasket so it's relative easy after 22 years for some drops of water to bypass the plastic housing especially from the left side.

Surely if the sensor is not picking up correctly then the effect will be on short and long drives not just short drives - "The engine will use more gas than it needs on short and long drives, reducing overall fuel economy."

 

3 hours ago, D.FYLAKTOS said:

The rust is fragile, the spot is from my finger because i touch it.

Could it be just be  surface water / condensation/, something wet, and just sitting there until the engine is started and mostly spun off.

 

Others with more knowledge will have to say.

 

Edited 14 February, 20224 yr by nta16

That ''timing gap" or as i read it elsewhere ''missing teeth" or ''empty space" here in Greece the mechanics on their slang call it ''Eye" because the sensor 'sees it".

I will use a tough paintbrush and a spray (not strong) to remove the light oxidation and i wipe it with a clean rag.

Then i will put a new inox bolt with a washer.