So I was putting a crankshaft position sensor in a 1997 f-150 with the 4.2l in it due to a no start problem.

When I took the old sensor off it came out real easy. When I went to put the new one in it wouldn't go in. So I noticed something was preventing it from going in. I reached in and pulled this out. This is the back of the harmonic balancer isn't it?

 

At the back of the harmonic balancer is the crankshaft encoder wheel ... it sure looks the one you pictured. The crankshaft position sensor counts the teeth and looking for the missing teeth. Without that the ecm cannot establish engine position.


Check with the dealer if it is included with the harmonic balancer.

 

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately the dealer has no clue. The parts store knows even less.

I know that they used to be 2 pieces the balancer and the cog. I just didn't want to order the part without knowing for sure. They come as a one piece now attached to the pulley.

 

I'm new in fords and parts ... so far I got good experience with autonation white bear lake (https://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/) they seem knowledgeable enough to answer. They respond email inquires pretty fast.


Good luck.

 

If you go to fordparts.com and put in your VIN number, you can go find drawings that show the parts and the part numbers. You can also get prices to give you an idea of what you will pay. Hope this helps

 

Thanks for the replies. I will try both.