Reference and Speed sensor

[wxman]

I have ordered the reference and speed sensors for my 87 3.2 Targa.

This is part of my continuing starting problem and I hope the end of it.

Any advice on how to install these sensors?

From underneath, I can see a grommet holding the two sensors plus another sensor.
From the engine compartment the wires appear to go far back.

Any experienced tips would be appreciated.

Doug
Fresno
87 911 Targa

[Tigerrat]

The other sensor is the cylinder head temp. Pretty straightforward. A Bentley would help. They need to be a certain gap and for me this was best done by finding/making a "gauge" from a a piece of wire or such. Label the 3 cable connectors topside before taking apart the vertical mount. It's held together by a couple of tiny phillips screws. If you haven't done the CHT, it would be a heck of a good time. Use some soap when re-inserting the grommet. Ken

[gregwils]

Is the engine out of car? I replace mine, but the engine was out and the transmission was disconnected from the motor. I would just remove the bolt on the back of the sensor and not remove the sensor bracket from the engine. It will be difficult to get the sensors out because you won't be able to get a good grip on the sensor, but you need to be patient and continue to twist it back and forth in very slight movements while pulling. There is dirt and crap wedged between the sensor and the bracket it fits in making it difficult to remove.

If you remove the bracket, I am not sure how/if you can reinstall it at the correct gap.

Assuming you can get the sensors out, then you need to fish the wires through the grommet you mentioned and up through the intake manifold where the hook into the bracket on the left rear (near firewall). You will need to pull the grommet out, feed the ends of the wire through the hole and reinstall the grommet. If it something that might wait until you can drop the motor for other reasons, I would wait. It's going to be tight in there, so very frustrating.

[seafood10]

I did this exact deal on my 84. if you search under my name you may mind a complete thread on it. I purchased the BMW sensors and saved some money. Just have to make sure of the clearance at the tip of the sensors, it was a littel tough but I get it done fairly quick. if you get stuck let me know and I can search my old emails and so forth as I had someone from the board help me with this.
Sean