Mystery Part

[mattseml]

1994 4L I am wondering what a part is that broke when my serpentine belt broke. Here is a link to a photo of the part:

http://www.allbayinspection.com/CustomPage5

Anyway, it is a Black plastic part about 2 inches long. It looks like it has a nail coming out of it sideways. It is magnetic and it has a wire/pigtail hooked to it. It was mounted on the front of the engine near the fan. Can anybody tell me what it is, what it does. Is it absolutely needed. I am trying to doctor the vehicle up for just a short time. The nail part broke off when the serpentine belt broke. Thanks. Sorry if it is dumb question.

 

[Rick]

I believe that is the pickup for the crank triggered igntion system. Should have been mounted on the block so that the needle pointed to the indentations on the crankshaft dampner. Best place to see that is looking from the bottom up at the front of the motor.