Is a non motorcraft CPS ok?

[notdrphang]

Does any one here use the $46 Standard Motor Products CPS Sensor part #PC17 as opposed to the $125 motor craft cps? Should I go all out and get the oem part of is the Standard Motor Products CPS Sensor any good? Is anyone here using them on their 3.0?

 

[luigisho]

Ah for this parts is parts. Don't spend dealer dollars on that part. Go aftermarket.

 

[projectSHO89]

Just remember, Ford/Motorcraft does not manufacture this type of item. Someonelse makes it and slaps into a red and white box and ships it to Ford's logistics systems.

The replacement parts sold by many of the aftermarket parts vendors may very well have come off the same production line as did the one in the read and white box.

For many of these items, "Parts is Parts". There are some exceptions, though.

Steve

 

[notdrphang]

also can anyone give me some tips on gapping the cps? I have not taken the old one off yet? Do I need to get the gap tool that comes in a pocket knife configuration? you know the one that looks like a feeler gauge

 

[sdpatt]

I have used the Wells SU242 from AutoZone ($42.99) with good results. I have also used the Borg-Warner sensor that is currently on my car, but would replace it with a Wells when it ceases to function. (I just hope I run the car long enough to fail it in, oh, another 100,000 miles).

It looks like the image below when you gap the CPS.

You can use a flat feeler gauge on the curved sensor wheel because the sensor itself is not curved and the gauge is relatively narrow and draws a tangent to the sensor wheel. I also check the gap on all three vanes on the wheel to ensure that they haven't been bent by the handling of other mechanics. You can do this by either rotating the crank by sliding the damper on an turning it with your hands or by removing the keyway and rotating the crankshaft timing belt pulley on the shaft (this requries a clean shaft).

<small>[ November 11, 2002, 01:08 PM: Message edited by: sdpatt ]</small>