2.3L ('83-'97) Ranger 1992 2.3l Camshaft sensor install please help!!

[Jaron Z]

hello I’m new to the form so I apologize in advance if this has already been answered but here’s the scoop.
I just bought this 1992 ranger 2.3l manual and have been doing all the maintenance. I was already in there for water pump so I did the timing belt and now I’m running into the issue of the crankshaft pulley shearing the sensor in the middle. I have tried loosening the bolts and slowly turning the engine over by hand and it breaks every time. Sensors aren’t cheap so I’m wondering if anyone has run into the same issues or if there’s any suggestions. Could I be missing spacers? Thank you

attached is a picture of what the new sensor looks like

 

[scotts90ranger]

I've never had that problem before, only used junkyard crank sensor too, and I drilled the crank sensor bracket holes in the block myself...

If you're shearing them make sure the reluctor wheels on the crank damper hasn't been bent, there should be plenty of room for it go go roundy round... When I put a crank sensor on those I find the spot where you can see both vanes at the same time where it meets the crank sensor (if memory serves, you can have the balancer on first then slip the crank sensor in at that point too...). I've just centered by eye all the times I've done it but the thickness of a business card from the outside of the reluctor to the sensor should be sufficient.