I just put my new engine in my TA and I went to put the new knock sensor in and I can't get it to screw into the block all the way. I'd say it might be half way in. It's tight and I don't have the proper size wrench as it is anyhow. It's not a 3/4 and not a 7/8 so I'm guessing it's metric... unless it's a 13/16. Do you think this will be ok?? Will the knock sensor work properly this way or should I find a way to screw it into the block farther? Thanks in advance.

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1986 Trans AM
305 TPI
Well over 200,000+ miles (speedo/odometer non-funtional! Odometer reads 142,000)
4 Wheel Discs
9 bolt Borg Warner Rear (2.77's....oh joy) :P
Completely Stock
Current Project: upgrade to a 355 TPI, 6" rods, 9.7:1 Compression, Stock TPI ported, 24#/hr LTI injectors (cleaned and flowmatched by Cruizin Performance), Hedman Shorty Headers, 3" exhaust with 80 series flowmaster, SBC 993 heads completely redone and modified for 1.6 RR, Comp Cams XE262-14 TPI Cam, Holley AFPR, TPIS airfoil, MSD wires, MSD 6-AL Ignition, Hypertech hot coil.

 

It only needs to go in until it stops leaking. The threads are tapered pipe thread, since after all it replaces the pipe plug that drains the water jacket; it's not a straight thread like a bolt or something, so don't expect it to necessarily go all the way in. I'd guess something around 15-20 ft-lbs is entirely enough. Use about 4 wraps of Teflon tape, and whatever you do, don't overtighten it. That will make it overly sensitive.

IIRC 13/16" is the correct size. I usually use a 6-point socket to make sure I don't strip its hex.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

 

Won't the teflon sealant effect the sensor's ability to detect knock frequency? I don't think they used sealant from the factory

 

That's what I read somewhere too. The threads have something on them already. I guess it wouldn't be bad to de-sensitize the knock sensor a little ... since I am going with headers which have a tendency to cause false detonation due to resonation. Anyone else have any opinions on this part?

 

I used a liquid teflon on the threads so it wouldn't leak (I was reinstalling the old sensor on my rebuild). I don't really know if this was a good idea or not, or if it will affect the sensativity of the sensor. Opinions?

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91 Z28
Come see The Vicious...

 

I used liquid teflon on mine and it seems to be a little less-sensitive than it should be, but I am not complaining....

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1987 GTA L98 MD8
355, TFS Heads, LT4 Hot Cam
My GTA

The Minnesota F-body Club

 

I recently bought a brand new knock sensor from GM (AC Delco) and it comes with a thread sealant already on it (kind of orange in color),so I gotta figure, if GM puts sealant on it , it should be ok for it to have sealant on it.
Any of the teflon-based thread sealants should be fine as well.
-Rich-