MY99 Boxster Crank Position sensor DIY

[randy_k]

Has anyone changed there crank position sensor on there Boxster them selves. I am unable to find a DIY on how to do it.
Wayne, I did see your placement photo for this on you Tech Info. But what I'm looking for is how to go about doing it. What parts need to be removed to get to it? Should I go at it from the bottom or can I get to it from the top of the engine compartment?
Thanks for any info regarding this in advance. Randy

[harryrcb]

Originally Posted by randy_k

Has anyone changed there crank position sensor on there Boxster them selves. I am unable to find a DIY on how to do it.
Wayne, I did see your placement photo for this on you Tech Info. But what I'm looking for is how to go about doing it. What parts need to be removed to get to it? Should I go at it from the bottom or can I get to it from the top of the engine compartment?
Thanks for any info regarding this in advance. Randy

I believe the best access is from the bottom however the wire connector you will have to get from the top(it's right next to the AOS) the sensor is located right under the AOS return line just unplug the wire and the sensor is held in with on 5mm hex bolt here is a pic of the sensor without trans installed

[randy_k]

Thank you very much Harry, Doesn't look to bad to do.
Randy

[harryrcb]

Originally Posted by randy_k

Thank you very much Harry, Doesn't look to bad to do.
Randy

you are welcome, it's not hard but keep in mind when the transmission and your exhaust pipes are all in place it does become a little cramped and very dark.
good luck with it. you can do it!!!

[randy_k]

Originally Posted by harryrcb

you are welcome, it's not hard but keep in mind when the transmission and your exhaust pipes are all in place it does become a little cramped and very dark.
good luck with it. you can do it!!!

Hmmmmmmmmm, Dark and cramped. Sounds like some bars I use to go to. I should feel right at home.
Thanks again, Randy

[harryrcb]

Originally Posted by randy_k

Hmmmmmmmmm, Dark and cramped. Sounds like some bars I use to go to. I should feel right at home.
Thanks again, Randy

HAHAHA

[Wayne 962]

I don't have a specific article on replacing this while the engine and transmission are installed in the car, but you can see the sensor, plug and cable routing here in my engine swap article: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Engine Conversion Project - 986 Boxster (1997-04) - 987 Boxster (2005-08)

-Wayne

[randy_k]

Thanks for the info Wayne. Much appreciated. Randy

[randy_k]

Successful CPS replacement this morning. So far so good. A pain to get to, but done. Ran it up to 180+ degrees. Shut it down for 20 minutes, (1 beer) and it fired right up, unlike the last time it had reach that temp.
One thing I noticed, is the rod in the middle of the sensor, had horizontal grooves worn in it, unlike the new one. Not sure if that was the problem or not. Just thought it was worth mentioning.
I have ordered a fuel pump relay as well. And will go ahead and order a fuel pump and filter and be done with the fuel system portion of this thing.
Once it's warm though and started. It hunts for the idle RPM. Which it did before the change of the CPS. The AOS is soaked on the outside. I'm going to order one of those as well and clean the throttle body.
Summer, she is coming and want to drive it and not worry about all this small crap.
I bought it 2 months ago with 104k miles on it. No maintenance records from seller and the last time the local Porsche Dealer saw it was at 83K miles. Per there records.
Just have a feeling, it's been neglected. Not abused. Just not taken care of. On second thought. Neglected could be taken as abused. But you know what I mean?
Thanks for all your help guys, I'm sure it's the last time I'll need it.
Randy
PS: Great site Wayne!!!!

[harryrcb]

Originally Posted by randy_k

. But you know what I mean?
Thanks for all your help guys, I'm sure it's the last time I'll need it.
Randy
PS: Great site Wayne!!!!

REALLY ? I have a feeling you will need us lots more. haha Nice job gettingg it done as for the groves that is NOT normal, sounds like perhaps the ring gear may have some burs on it from the starer gear? Maybe, or some foreign stuff got in there and got your sensor.
On another not while you are getting it running on my older boxster I had to replace the four rubber seals from the intake manifold , they were dry rotted and had small cracks but it turned out they were leaking.
Good luck with your car

[randy_k]

Harry I am sure it won't be the last time! Beers all around if you're ever in the land of Enchantment. Other wise known as Albuquerque.
The starter makes an annoying sound, about 1 out of every ten times I start it. But it sounds like a problem with the starter, Inside kinda thing. Not gears not meshing together. Whines a bit. The local shop I take it to. (Not the Porsche dealer) told me it was a bushing inside the stater that is commonly known to make noise when older. I suspect they maybe right. Or they would have told me it had to be replaced, to make some money off of me.
The rubber seals sound like a great idea. This thing has lived in a dry environment all it's life. It was originally purchased in LA. Then went to AZ, then here. All very dry climates. Except LA.
I'll get it there. I knew it was going to need some work. But every time something I have done improves it. There is a satisfaction I get, I think you know!!!
Thanks for all the help. I hope this thread helps the next guy that buys one this old.
Randy

[harryrcb]

Randy you are right about me knowing what it takes, been there done that. As you said it does give you some satisfaction when its all done. then you start looking for something else. It's an illness. lol I've got mine all torn apart putting a new(bigger) motor in. talk about project. yikes. I need to seek help.
Later BTW enjoy your car.
Harry

[randy_k]

Originally Posted by harryrcb

Randy you are right about me knowing what it takes, been there done that. As you said it does give you some satisfaction when its all done. then you start looking for something else. It's an illness. lol I've got mine all torn apart putting a new(bigger) motor in. talk about project. yikes. I need to seek help.
Later BTW enjoy your car.
Harry

LMAO, Sounds like you need the Dr. Phil of engines! Good on ya! It's one one of those things. What ever put's a smile on your face and is harmless to no one but your knuckles??? Have fun. I want to see pic's

[Wayne 962]

Yes, grooves worn on it = not typical. I hope that replacing the sensor will fix the problem, and I hope that something else is not causing the failures of the sensor. You might want to pull it out and check it after a few miles.

Hunting is almost always caused by a mixture problem, and a mixture problem on these cars is very often caused by a vacuum leak. You might want to check out my article on tracking down vacuum leaks: Pelican Technical Article: Troubleshooting Boxster Vacuum Leaks - 986 / 987

I'd get the 101 Projects book if you don't already have it: 101 Projects Website

-Wayne

[randy_k]

Here's a pic of the sensor. The grooves are isolated to the metal rod in the middle. Since I have no idea how much of the sensor is exposed to the fly wheel. Not sure. The grooves are pretty much symmetrical. Meaning evenly spaced. I would think if there was something rattling around in there. It would be more random.
I'll check the vacuum lines. Thanks for the tip! I plan on getting your book Wayne. But right now, I have my eye on the Durametric device. Working on a small budget. One thing at a time.
Randy

[JFP in PA]

Do you have an after market (e.g.: lightweight) flywheel? Reason I ask is that recently we saw similar strike marks on a car that had just installed an aftermarket flywheel; which it turns out had a bent shutter element on the back of the flywheel that was hitting the sensor.

[randy_k]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Do you have an after market (e.g.: lightweight) flywheel? Reason I ask is that recently we saw similar strike marks on a car that had just installed an aftermarket flywheel; which it turns out had a bent shutter element on the back of the flywheel that was hitting the sensor.

JFP, I have no idea. I'm sure somewhere along the line, the clutch was replaced. Just based on the mileage on it. Whether or not, they replaced the flywheel at the same time, Is any one's guess? The clutch feels fresh. So guessing? It was probably changed not that long ago.

Randy

[Wayne 962]

I don't see anything weird with that sensor, those marks are probably there from the manufacturing process.

As for the 101 Projects book, it's only $23...

-Wayne

[randy_k]

Wayne, The new one is a very smooth surface across the face of the metal rod, unlike this one. This one looks like someone took a small jewelers file to it and made grooves in it.
Randy

[harryrcb]

the picture of your sensor is not clear needs flash or something. but from you are describing plus the fact that your starter makes noise, it would be wise to check into it. like Wayne said.
on another note: Dr Phil would have his hands full with my squirrel cage. I'm not too far into the project yet, lots of research and converting all the coolant and oil fitting to go the other direction, spending waaaay too much $$$. but here are a couple of pics . First one is the new engine, second empty engine bay and third making a template to mate the transmission