Location of Camshaft Sensor for 98' 4.0 OHV V6

[jackandcharlie]

Does anyone know where this is? I've read its on the back of the block, dead center. Problem is the back of the block is against the firewall and near impossible to see, even with a mirror. What does the sensor look like? Which way to access, top, bottom or through the wheel well? I'd love to fix my beast, but hate getting the run around on location.

Also, if I had to replace the syncro and the rest of the assembly, do I need to drop the engine?

I have a 98' Explorer, VIN 'X', OHV V6 throwing a PO340 code and thought I would start with a new sensor.

 

[SoNic67]

Start by measuring the voltage on the battery with the engine running. If it is less than 14.2-14.5V, replace the alternator first.

 

[jackandcharlie]

Start by measuring the voltage on the battery with the engine running. If it is less than 14.2-14.5V, replace the alternator first.

Just measured, 12.0-12.1. How would that trip the camshaft sensor?

 

[kindred4x]

When i replaced my sensor and synchro, i pulled the upper intake plenum off, then pulled the hood off. I actually had to get in the engine bay to pull it out, but my rig is lifted so it might be easier on a stock explorer. Pulling the lower manifold off would make it pretty easy but there is a lot of work involved pulling the manifold, draining coolant, new gaskets and what not. My rig is a 96 ohv, so your 98 should have the same location as mine. back of the motor like you described in your post

 

[jackandcharlie]

When i replaced my sensor and synchro, i pulled the upper intake plenum off, then pulled the hood off. I actually had to get in the engine bay to pull it out, but my rig is lifted so it might be easier on a stock explorer. Pulling the lower manifold off would make it pretty easy but there is a lot of work involved pulling the manifold, draining coolant, new gaskets and what not. My rig is a 96 ohv, so your 98 should have the same location as mine. back of the motor like you described in your post

Thanks Kindred, now it makes sense why the local shops want to charge for the plenum gasket. I figured there was a way to swap the sensor without touching the upper intake. Is it easy to find with the intake out of the way? I am trying to figure out how long it will take. Guesses?

 

[kindred4x]

I am guessing it depends on how much pain or discomfort the body can take. With the upper plenum attached you have to basically lay on it with your head towards the back of the motor down between the firewall and motor. go to any auto parts website and get a pic of the sensor so you know what to look for. I had to replace the lower intake manifold gaskets on my truck last year. So when i pulled the manifold i looked back to see the cam sensor and it was pretty accessible.
Now if you wanna do just the sensor you might be able to get away with pulling the hood off and laying down kind of like i described earlier, or a crouching position while in the engine bay and pull the sensor. The sensor obviously has the wire harness to detach, but if i remember correctly there are two bolts or screws that hold the sensor to the synchro that have to be removed.

 

[kindred4x]

If you are a skinny S.O.B like me you might be able to do it with the plenum on. First you might want to try and locate it, if you can that will give a little hint of what it will take to do it and how much time.

 

[Banjoes]

Is the electrical connector to the sensor located in the back too? I am planning on cleaning the socket as well as IAC and MAF sensor with electric parts cleaner since I'm going ahead and disconnecting the battery. I have a stuttering idle sometimes as well as a slight chirp noise.:roll:

 

[vroomzoomboom]

if you have a chirp sound, like a squeaking belt, but at the back of the motor, cam sycro needs to be replaced. also, if you clean the IAC, and you still get a stuttering idle, you may want to look at the gaskets both on top and below your fuel rail. they are/were bad for cracking, or breaking and aloud a vacuum leak causing the motor to idle like it had a loppy cam in it.