Harley Crank Position Sensor Cleaning - Reasons and Methods

Vehicle sensors nowadays have gone so far in terms of technological advancement. This makes them more complex, but overall, they remain essential in monitoring the critical components that are assigned to them and are now more accurate when diagnosing certain problems early on. One of them is the crank position sensor, which monitors the positioning and speed of the crankshaft-as its name implies.

Over time, dirt can accumulate in this sensor and can cause it to malfunction. In more ways than one, this can also lead to its speedy deterioration. Therefore, it is important to keep it clean all the time to ensure the precision of its operation and guarantee its long-term reliability.

What You Will Learn Here

This article will discuss the following factors for you to better understand the topic at hand:

• What Does the Crank Position Sensor Do in a Harley Bike
• Symptoms of a Dirty Crank Position Sensor in a Harley Bike
• How to Access the Crank Position Sensor in a Harley
• Various Ways to Clean the Crank Position Sensor in a Harley Bike
• Things to Avoid When Cleaning the Crank Position Sensor
• Signs Indicating that Cleaning the Crank Position Sensor is No Longer a Viable Solution

What Does the Crank Position Sensor Do in a Harley Bike

The crank position sensor (CPS) is a critical component of the Harley Davidson motorcycle engine. The crank position sensor monitors the position and speed of the crankshaft, sending data to other electronic components in the engine.

This information helps maintain optimal timing for fuel injection, spark plug firing, and valve operation. The crank position sensor is located on the right side of the engine, near the camshaft.

When functioning properly, a well-maintained crank position sensor provides many advantages for your motorcycle. It ensures smooth acceleration by providing accurate timing signals for ignition, fueling, and valve control. This results in improved performance coupled with better fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions. Additionally, it can detect problems like misfiring or vacuum leaks that could lead to damage if left unchecked.

A faulty crank position sensor can cause issues such as rough-running engines, poor acceleration, engine stalling, and poor fuel economy. Replacing the CPS regularly is important for ensuring optimal performance from your Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Symptoms of a Dirty Crank Position Sensor in a Harley Bike

A fouled crank position sensor in a Harley bike can be caused by several different factors, including environmental contaminants such as dirt and dust, engine operation problems due to fluid leaks and wear, and bad maintenance habits like failure to clean it from time to time as well as leaving it in the garage for long periods.

Environmental contamination includes exposure to water, salt air, and other elements that settle onto the crank position sensor over time. If a vehicle is frequently operated in high temperatures, has leaks, or is under regular heavy loads, then wear on the engine components can cause the contamination of the crank position sensor.

Lastly, riding in areas with lots of flying debris and not cleaning them afterward can likewise create the same issues. All these potential causes should be taken into account when diagnosing a dirty crank position sensor in a Harley bike.

It is important to note that the crank position sensor can become contaminated even if all of these conditions are not present. If any one of them is experienced more frequently, then it should be considered as a likely cause when diagnosing the problem. Additionally, excessive wear on engine components, especially the air filter and engine cover, should also be noted, because these can heavily contribute to the build-up of dirt and grime on the part.

By keeping tabs on all potential sources of contamination, a technician can make an informed decision about the most likely cause for your Harley bike's dirty crank position sensor, and consequently determine the best way to clean it off.

How to Access the Crank Position Sensor

To clean the crank position sensor thoroughly, you have to gain access to it first. In most cases, it's best to detach it so you could also clear its terminals of any dirt deposits.

Here are some steps that you should follow to safely and successfully gain access to the crank position sensor:

• Disconnect the battery cables from the battery terminals.
• Remove the spark plugs from the engine.
• Remove the black cover on the top of the engine (this will expose the ignition coils).
• Locate the crank position sensor (it's on the front of the engine, near the flywheel).
• Disconnect the connector from the crank position sensor.
• Clean it using any of the methods shown in the following section of this article.
• Reassemble the components that you have uninstalled by simply reversing the process shown here.

Various Ways to Clean the Crank Position Sensor in a Harley Bike

There are a lot of methods to clean the crank position sensor of a Harley bike. However, it is essential for mechanics or technicians to keep in mind what could be the specific cause or nature of the contaminant to determine the best solution for the issue.

Here are ways to clean the crank position sensor of the Harley bike:

1. Cleaning It with a Soft Bristle Brush and Water

When cleaning your crank position sensor, use a soft bristle brush and warm water to loosen any debris or particles that may be stuck in the component. Wet the brush first and then gently scrub around the area to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants without damaging the part.

2. Using Compressed Air

Compressed air can also help blow out any stubborn dirt or dust particles from the inside of the component. Make sure you are using an appropriate pressure setting for your bike's model so as not to cause any further damage to the part or surrounding components.

3. Using a Contact Cleaner

A contact cleaner is designed specifically for removing dirt and grime from electronic components. It is highly effective and safe to use on your Harley bike's crank position sensor. However, be sure to follow all instructions provided with the product before using it on your motorcycle.

4. Using a Silicone Spray

Lastly, you can use a silicone spray cleaner to effectively remove any dirt or dust from your crank position sensor. Spray the part with a light coating of the product and then use a soft bristle brush to gently scrub around the area until all debris has been removed.

Things to Avoid When Cleaning the Crank Position Sensor

There are some things that you should avoid when cleaning the crank position sensor so you won't end up damaging the component.

• Do not use any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials for cleaning the part.
• Avoid using pressurized water when cleaning the crank position sensor. This can cause water to enter and damage internal components.
• Do not use a wire brush or steel wool as these may scratch or damage the part.
• Finally, always use the appropriate contact cleaner for your Harley bike's model. Different models may require a different type of cleaning product and using the wrong one can cause further damage.

Pay attention to any other problems while you're at it. Check if there are also signs of contamination on the harness connecting the sensor to your bike. Should you find any, simply clean them off. However, if the wires are already corroded, frayed, or shorted, you may have to replace them.

By following these reminders, you can safely and successfully clean the crank position sensor of your Harley bike.

Signs Indicating that Cleaning the Crank Position Sensor is No Longer a Viable Solution

There are several instances, however, when simply cleaning the crank position sensor is no longer viable to fix any malfunction on the part. These are signs that it should be replaced as soon as possible:

• There are signs of physical damage on the sensor like scratches, cracks, warping, or burns.
• The part is already corroded or has rust spots.
• The dirt and grime buildup are too thick to be removed with a simple cleaning process.
• The component still shows irregularities in its operation even after cleaning.
• It's no longer functioning or powered up based on multimeter readings.

If you observe any of these symptoms, it's best to replace the crank position sensor to ensure that your Harley bike is running in its optimal condition.

Conclusion

Having a clean and well-maintained crank position sensor is essential for the optimal performance of your Harley Davidson motorcycle. This is a crucial component that helps keep your Harley Davidson running in tip-top shape.

It monitors the position and speed of the crankshaft, providing data to other electronic components within the engine for accurate timing. This leads to improved performance and reliability plus better fuel efficiency, cleaner emissions, and smoother acceleration.

Furthermore, this piece of tech can help detect problems before they become serious issues. For these reasons, it's essential to check and clean your CPS on a regular basis or replace it as the need arises in order to always bring the best out of your ride.