First off, yes it's definitely my knock sensor. I can feel it with my hand and the two parts of it are completely separated.

Second, how the F*CK do I get this thing out?!?!?!?! It's not in my printed service manual or my ESM. I've already started pulling random coolant lines and such, but I still can't get a hold of it. Anyone done this before that might have some advice???

(BTW - if you've ever wondered how your car would run with no knock sensor, I can't even pull on a stock-engine miata right now)

 

Pulling the alternator MIGHT get you the access you need.

 

Nope, I had to go in rectally (from behind and below).

 

Rev for future reference, you may want to mix up some JB weld and run a seam around the base of the green plastic on your new one. The sensors get brittle with age, and don't like being hit when you are trying to get the upper starter bolt out.

 

Yeah, it's probably a combination of too much track heat on the seam and being hit a few too many times doing transmission pulls. I'll keep that in mind for next time.