crank position sensor install..re install
 

are you just supposed to re install it or is there supposed to be a peice of tape on the end of it to set a gap?

I have only replaced one of them. And I just bolted it right back in place.

i read that new they have a plastic cap on them that u leave on

i read something about a paper gasket??

Nope...no caps, no gaskets. Just a simple unbolt and rebolt. There is a little plastic shield that the sensor sits down inside which covers the gap on the bell housing, keeping dirt and other crap from getting inside of there. On a old XJ like yours, be real careful as it's going to be brittle and can break real easy. You'll see this shield that i'm talking about when you take the sensor off.

I changed the CPS on a 88 and as soon as I touched that plastic shield it snapped. Had to get creative with some RTV to get it back to one piece.

i dont see any plastic any place so ill assume its missing. where do i get a new cover or do i have to have one?

It might be stuck on the bell housing. Do you see a giant hole where it should be? If not, and it's stuck on there, that's great...leave it there!

As for where to get a replacement, i'd go to the junk yard and grab one.

its a big rectangular opening. i cant get the the stupid tranny back in so its a moot point. i wanna light this jeep on fire right about now.. ive been crawling under it for about 8hrs