I have an '87 where the cylinder head temp sensor has gone bad. Has anyone replaced this without removing the timing belt as stated in the service manual? It looks like there might be enough room to change it out if the idle pulley bracket, stud and timing belt cover are removed.

 

I have not tried with the cover on. Though I believe you can...you might need to move the cruise control unit, maybe the thermostat cover. You should be able to do it. Might even use a extension and u-joint.

S

 

I'm not sure but unless your timing belt has been changed that you know of, if you have to remove the cover, change the belt while your in there or it just has to be done later and if your at 65k it's about time anyways.

 

But you were able to replace it by removing the t-belt cover, cruise and t-stat fitting?

T-belt was done about a year ago. Unfortunately, I didn't replace the sensor then.

 

moving to the 1st/2nd gen forum, where you might get more responses.

 

get a 17mm or 19mm deepsocket 2 inch extension take the cruise controol thingy out, the resivor for coolent, and unplug it and trench it out. you do not need to remove the timing belt cover but if you do i hope you have octupuss hands because those lil 8mm bolts are a byiotch.

 

This is what we do in the 84-89 300ZX's:

http://z31.com/repairs/chts.shtml

It's the same motor so it should work. I've tried this and it does work.

That being said if you haven't changed your timing belt in a while it's always a good idea. In the process of doing that job this will be totally accessible.

Edit: Just re-read and you said you did do the timing belt. Nevermind then

Good luck!