'85 325e Crank sensors seized!

[maxthegearhead]

Hey everyone, I recently bought a Euro Spec 1985 325e which cranks but doesn't start. I've narrowed it down to the crank position sensors but I have been completely unable to remove them. I've tried PB blastering liberally and have pulled on them for hours with no success. I'm afraid of using a torch on the aluminium bellhousing. Is my only solution to remove the trans? I'm at a loss here

It's really odd too because this car is totally rust free yet not only are these sensors seized but the front passenger side wheel is also seized to the hub.

HELP!!

[jclausen]

Try heat

[superj]

Put a punch or screwdriver on the side of the sensor flange and tap it to spin it free. It will come out but sometimes you have to pry them out

[maxthegearhead]

Update, the sensors twist but still won't come out. My exhaust needs work anyway, so I'm thinking of pulling the exhaust and trans and doing the clutch and rear main seal while i'm at it.

[superj]

you can surely do that and then still just punch them out when you have access to the inside. they probably just have lots of junk on them, or the flywheel lost the tang because it came loose and whacked one of the sensors, damaging it so it doesn't slide out properly. I had one like that. we ended up having to break the outside off and push it into the bell housing to replace it when we fixed the flywheel

[maxthegearhead]

So I ended up pulling the trans off after much struggling with the starter bolts! anyways, the crank sensors had become completely welded to the inside of the trans, and the steel caps were inseparable from it. I'm going to drill them out very carefully. Thanks for all the advice, it's appreciated..