Rep Power: 203

This is the CKP sensor, part #37500-PLC-015. I changed the timing belt the other day. While doing so, I broke the plastic holder on the sensor. That is, the sensor can no longer be bolted on. I tucked the sensor wire harness out of the way and put all back together. My Civic now has a CEL and takes excessive cranking to start (5-7 seconds?). Else my Civic drives okay. Am I damaging anything by driving my Civic until I can purchase and install a new sensor? Will the Civic reach a point where it will not start at all?

 
Rep Power: 518

I would recommend you do not drive it. The catalytic converter can be ruined, and that ain't cheap.

 
Rep Power: 203

Thank you, ezone. I fabricated a bracket for the old sensor. See photo. I am hoping to install it in the next few days. Think the CKP sensor will install and work okay? I am worried about how exact the alignment of the sensor must be and whether the metal of the bracket will cause a problem. I think the sensor responds yada when the two, close-together outboard teeth of the crankshaft sprocket pass it.

 
Rep Power: 518

I see no photo? EDIT: I see it now...Oooh IDK if that will interfere with function.....why not just buy a new one?

The sensor triggers on every nub that sticks out of the crank gear.

The double trigger is so the PCM can "see" a programmed reference point such as cylinder 1/4 30*BTDC or some such (I forget, because I never needed to remember it).

 
Rep Power: 203

My local Honda dealer wanted $150+ for the sensor, and it would take a few days to arrive. Aftermarket sensors at NAPA and Autozone sell for about $80+. Denso is the manufacturer of the sensor. Denso sells it online for about $65, IIRC. Ebay sells the OEM sensor for about $50. But I did not want to wait several days. The nearest salvage yard with Civics is 65 miles away. I did not want to drive there and back without the sensor, because of what you (and other web sites) say about damaging the catalytic converter.

This morning I installed the old sensor with the homemade bracket shown. I drilled the bolt hole using measurements from photos on the web. I used the old grommet as a spacer, because the metal of the strap I made is soft. I cleared the CEL. So far it is working great. I head to the salvage yard in a few days to get a used sensor.

Thank you for your input. Your posts remain a great resource for me as a DIY-er.