Questions on removing 4.0 kock sensor harness

I am embarrassed to say that I spent the better part of day working on removing the intake manifold and cleaning underneath it. Critter has chewed thru the driver's side knock sensor wire right at the pIug and I'm am on the fence as to wether to attept to remove that knock sensor plug with longer screwdriver (time consuming and I'm certain frustrating as ahem) or just going ahead and removing the hard coolant line to gain better access.
A member did a pretty good right up on removing the knock sensors and harness but I'm unclear on a couple of details:
1) Am I to remove just the larger of the two pipes by cutting the short piece that connects the two together? This guy spoke about cutting some "bands" and then removing the 10mm bolt that holds the attached bracket in place.
2) There is a black and a white wire going to that sensor. I read somewhere that the black wire was shielded and couldn't be soldered. Is that so? It would be nice to be able to repair this harness but if it's best to go with a new one please let me know.

Thanks, Homespun

 

You should replace the harness. They're brittle and you don't want to have to go back in there for any reason

Also, not trying to be rude, but you don't have to start a new thread for each question on this job you're doing. Just stick to one thread, like the intake removal one.. When you get stuck or have questions we'll see it and try to help you out

 

Cutting the bracket makes the job “faster”. But you’ll need to be sure to secure the 2 pipes back together good. I’d place a piece of coolant hose or something between the 2 pipes to keep them from rubbing toaster. As you’ll need fasten them back together to keep them “ridged”.

Somewhere on this site, there is post where a member did the “cut” method.
He had pictures. I’ll see if I can find it later.

As for the connector, @b_r_o said it best. Replace it.
As you have seen, this job sucks. Lots of work.

 

And yes, the wires are shielded.

 

This guy soldered on new wires and did NOT remove the coolant pipes.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/knock-sensor-questions.456772/page-2#post-14361081

Cut it - I'm a hack method. (and Yes, "I" too would be a hack. Because it's MY truck and i can live with it.)
https://youtu.be/pRwMXzAH19w?si=vXEd9e96k75ENV0-

 

Ok, understood. Thanks and no worries, you're not being rude.

 

I ended up cutting the tabs that connect the two pipes with a sawzall. Probably a good thing that I went that route as there's still lots of leaf debris in the V that will be much easier to remove now. I apprecciate the tip on fastening the two pipes together. Will order a new harness and gaskets later today. Thanks for the reply

 

However you decide to clamp the 2 back together, I'd make sure the 2 pipes don't touch and rub against each other.
I'd maybe use some heater hose cut and wrapped around the smaller pipe where to "clamp" them back together.
It may be over kill, but you don't want a leak 2-3 years down the road where the pipes rubbed/rusted together.

Good job on tackling this project. It sure isn't a fun one. And not something you want to do often, again, (or ever)