I tried the DBMartin technique of using a 12 mm wrench and some small hands in there, but even with WD40 applied liberally, the retaining bolt will not come loose. WITHOUT TAKING OFF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, does anyone have any other ideas on how to loosen it?

 

How about a small ratchet and socket with a little long breaker bar type extension on the ratcket handle? Mabye a high quality ball swivel would help?

Did you try the double wrench trick, using another wrench as an extension on the back of the 12mm?

 

If at first you don't succeed... Try a bigger hammer!

 

No I didn't but there really isn't enough space in there to put an extension on. I'm trying to do this without moving anything else, and the space in there is rediculous. I don't want to try something that won't work and end up stripping the bolt.

 

I used a quarter inch ratchet, extension, and u joint socket.

 

Are the knock sensors a notorious problem??

 

They are more of an annoyance than anything else. In theory, if you use high octance gas, then they shouldn't cause a problem, however when you check the CEL(check Engine Light) they will trip an error code, but not set off the light itself. They also appear to be a PITA at the drag strips.

 

The knock sensors don't decrease/increase anything no matter what gas you use.

My sis has been using cheep-@ss 86-oct gas with the sensors in, and everything is running perfectly. She's been using that grade gas for a few years.

Please don't make my grave any bigger medic

 

Use a hammer and chisel...

 

Too bad you have no clue what the hell you are talking about. Lower octane gas causes pinging in our engine. The knock sensor recognizes the pinging and retards the timing to reduce the pinging, with the negative effect of less maximum power produced. You are now about 5 feet deep. Keep going...

 

You forgot to add that using lower octane gas also results in lower MPG. The loss of power between octane's is so minimal it's debatable.

That should get me a lil' higher..

 

Nope, you have nothing to back up your statement and I do. 5.5 feet now.

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....ght=gas+octane

 

I heard it was immpossible to do with out removing the manifolds.. But since gabuchu said he did it, all I can say is goodluck!!....

 

I was curious about the sensor because I've spent 3 days this month running hard on a road course, pretty much flat out for 4 25-30 minute sessions each day. Every day, by the third session, I'd get the light. Code 0304. I've always run 93 octane in the car and completed the 60K service prior to the events, so everyone is in good shape mechanically. Do you think it's a Knock issue or a sensor that just gets too much info and wigs out? I don't want to damage the engine if it's knocking repeatedly! Thanks for any input.

 

Check to see if the harness has a rip in the insulation or if the connector is tight.

 

Okay, thanks, I'll be able to look at it tommorow