code 43
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
code 43
Just curious -
I was reading about replacing the knock sensor (code 43), and the manual said that when the sensor is removed, coolant will begin to leak out. Why is the knock sensor located in a water jacket, when it is supposed to be monitoring engine knocks? Maybe I misread it. Anyone?
(1985 Coupe, Automatic)
I was reading about replacing the knock sensor (code 43), and the manual said that when the sensor is removed, coolant will begin to leak out. Why is the knock sensor located in a water jacket, when it is supposed to be monitoring engine knocks? Maybe I misread it. Anyone?
(1985 Coupe, Automatic)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
I have an '85 too, and have replaced the knock sensor, you're book isn't lying. If you hold your thumb over the hole, you should be able to replace the knock sensor without losing too much coolant.
It sort of doubles as the coolant drain plug for the block. I'm not sure why they set it up like that...
It sort of doubles as the coolant drain plug for the block. I'm not sure why they set it up like that...
Last edited by mikey whipreck; Jun 20, 2005 at 03:16 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
I'm not sure if a code 43 itself would make it idle rough...
however- if you have a code 43 either one of two things are happening (i think), the ECM is losing the signal/ground from the ESC module, or it is seeing an extended period of high knock counts (someone will correct me if this info is wrong).
If you're ECM is seeing high knock counts (99.9% of the time false knock), then I would bet that would mess with your idle... maybe because it messes with the timing...
I have had a code 43 in my '85 since I bought it... I have not yet figured out the solution...
however- if you have a code 43 either one of two things are happening (i think), the ECM is losing the signal/ground from the ESC module, or it is seeing an extended period of high knock counts (someone will correct me if this info is wrong).
If you're ECM is seeing high knock counts (99.9% of the time false knock), then I would bet that would mess with your idle... maybe because it messes with the timing...
I have had a code 43 in my '85 since I bought it... I have not yet figured out the solution...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
I just had a computer chip and prom installed a few weeks ago. I guess I'll just end up replacing the sensor, and seeing what happens. I have had the car for 2 years, it wouldn't hurt to change it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,175
Likes: 237
From: Philadelphia Burbs
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
I would try posting this question in C4 Tech - like Mikey, I have had this problem since I purchased my Corvette. Work I and various other folks have done has made it massively better, but it still occurs and in my case it is definitely a real (and ugly) knock...
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
Likes: 9
From: Fort Knox, KY
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Originally Posted by 1slyder1
Just curious -
I was reading about replacing the knock sensor (code 43), and the manual said that when the sensor is removed, coolant will begin to leak out. Why is the knock sensor located in a water jacket, when it is supposed to be monitoring engine knocks? Maybe I misread it. Anyone?
(1985 Coupe, Automatic)
I was reading about replacing the knock sensor (code 43), and the manual said that when the sensor is removed, coolant will begin to leak out. Why is the knock sensor located in a water jacket, when it is supposed to be monitoring engine knocks? Maybe I misread it. Anyone?
(1985 Coupe, Automatic)
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 1
From: Weymouth Dorset
Ive just changed the knock sensor in mine cos of a code 43 but mine wasnt putting the SES light on until the engine came up to running temp then she was running like crap, the ECU can retard the timing up to 20 degree's.
Have you just got a code 43 or have you got an SES light as well ?
And yes the sensor is screwed into the bottom of the water jacket on the passenger side of the engine just above the oil pan and about half way back,
Leave the car to cool down, just crack off the rad pressure cap to releive any pressure in the system and then do it back up again, when you unscrew the sensor because of the vacume that is created as the water tries to run out you should'nt loose too much, especially if you put your finger over the hole as you take the old unit out.
Good luck
Adrian
.
Have you just got a code 43 or have you got an SES light as well ?
And yes the sensor is screwed into the bottom of the water jacket on the passenger side of the engine just above the oil pan and about half way back,
Leave the car to cool down, just crack off the rad pressure cap to releive any pressure in the system and then do it back up again, when you unscrew the sensor because of the vacume that is created as the water tries to run out you should'nt loose too much, especially if you put your finger over the hole as you take the old unit out.
Good luck
Adrian
.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Originally Posted by adi4
...mine wasnt putting the SES light on until the engine came up to running temp then she was running like crap, the ECU can retard the timing up to 20 degree's.
Have you just got a code 43 or have you got an SES light as well ?
Adrian
Have you just got a code 43 or have you got an SES light as well ?
Adrian
Once the engine warms up, the idle gets rough, rpm idles up and down.
If I wait long enough, the idle will smooth out again for a few minutes.
Sometimes, the check engine light will come on by itself. Other times, it comes on when I put my foot in it.
When I check it, I always get a code 43.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by 1slyder1
My engine idles smooth when I first start it up.
Once the engine warms up, the idle gets rough, rpm idles up and down.
If I wait long enough, the idle will smooth out again for a few minutes.
Sometimes, the check engine light will come on by itself. Other times, it comes on when I put my foot in it.
When I check it, I always get a code 43.
Once the engine warms up, the idle gets rough, rpm idles up and down.
If I wait long enough, the idle will smooth out again for a few minutes.
Sometimes, the check engine light will come on by itself. Other times, it comes on when I put my foot in it.
When I check it, I always get a code 43.
Those are the exact situations that my Helms manual says will set a code 43...
