so it looks like I need to get to the knock sensor to test it... is it necessary to remove the upper intake manifold to get to it? certainly is in an inconvenient place

 

1994 5.0L btw

 

heh? it should be in the side of the block....you sure you're talking about the knock sensor?

if in fact it is in the intake....move it to the side of the block...valve train noise can set it off and retard timing prematurely

 

I asked about the upper intake because it seems to be sort of underneath it, sandwiched between the back of the block and the firewall, really hard for me to reach with my big ol hands

 

google really is amazing The arrow points right to it on the back side of the engine. Not my pic, and I can't tell you how to get it out either - but now you know where to reach

 

I saw that pic, but I don't know for sure that's the same engine and I could still use hints on how to get at the thing

 

that pic was from another Frod truck forum and they said its a 302, so I'm going with it. It looks like a tight fit, but with a little work and a few choice words I bet you can get it out.

 

choice words indeed, going to be a fun afternoon then :|

 

Start by cleaning & inspecting connector & wires. Knock sensors themselves are pretty bullet proof.

From the pic, looks like a correct size plug socket, extension & ratchet. Or a variation thereof.

 

just unplug it and be done with it....

if it rattles back out of the throttle...

why have a safety device do something you should be doing anyhow...

and FYI if its bad good luck finding a replacement...none of the stores here carry them anymore