C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

L89 Engine knock/ping

Old Sep 21, 2008 | 10:04 PM
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Default L89 Engine knock/ping

Howdy all. I have a 88 auto with 175k miles on it. last week, 2 days after I filled the tank, my Vette developed a knock/ping. I have checked the oil level, it is fine, oil pressure is good as well. I also noticed earlier in the summer it seemed to be running a bit rich, and the idle doesnt want to drop down when I first stop. The knock doesnt seem to be RPM dependent, but more throttle position dependent. By that I mean, the knock seems to get worse the more gas I give it, but once I am at a certain speed, and back off the gas, the knock goes away. Also, if I pull it down manually, and the RPMs go up, the knock doesnt come until I give it gas.

It sounds like something hitting a metal fan blade, kinda loud, but "sharp and tinny".

So, I am pretty sure it isnt a rod knock, my guess anyway. could it be the injectors going? I have heard they can make a god awful noise when they go, or is it something else? And yes I have more gas in, and ran some Octane booster thru it with no improvement.

Thanks all


lol, just realized it mixed up the freaking numbers on my engine in the post title. Doh!

Last edited by biglou71; Sep 21, 2008 at 10:30 PM.
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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 11:49 PM
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Check to see if you have any knock sensor codes.

I don't think running rich would cause a knock or ping, though running lean might.

Since it's acceleration dependant it seems to depend upon cylinder pressure. Could that not represent a rod or bearing issue??

Have you pulled the spark plugs to see if they show anything unusual?
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 06:21 AM
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Lou, first start off with checking the basics.

You said you just filled up the fuel tank. Have you experienced heavy rains recently in your area? I would eliminate fuel contamination, add some fuel treatment.

Is your engine running hotter than usuall?

Check your fuel pressure. What is the reading?

Check your static timing.

Do you still run the original Multec injectors? Have you ohmed them hot and cold?

Check the proper operation of your EGR valve.
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 07:15 AM
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Originally Posted by biglou71
Howdy all. I have a 88 auto with 175k miles on it. last week, 2 days after I filled the tank, my Vette developed a knock/ping. I have checked the oil level, it is fine, oil pressure is good as well. I also noticed earlier in the summer it seemed to be running a bit rich, and the idle doesnt want to drop down when I first stop. The knock doesnt seem to be RPM dependent, but more throttle position dependent. By that I mean, the knock seems to get worse the more gas I give it, but once I am at a certain speed, and back off the gas, the knock goes away. Also, if I pull it down manually, and the RPMs go up, the knock doesnt come until I give it gas.

It sounds like something hitting a metal fan blade, kinda loud, but "sharp and tinny".

So, I am pretty sure it isnt a rod knock, my guess anyway. could it be the injectors going? I have heard they can make a god awful noise when they go, or is it something else? And yes I have more gas in, and ran some Octane booster thru it with no improvement.

Thanks all


lol, just realized it mixed up the freaking numbers on my engine in the post title. Doh!
I apologize is this seems simple but have you ruled out exhaust leak? A Manifold gasket canl sound like a tap or knock inside the cabin under load only. Seems to be when it is happening.
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 07:59 AM
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Make sure the knock sensor is working, can you scan the car and see if you are getting knock signals from the knock sensor? The knock sensor or circuit may have failed.

Other causes as prevoiusly mentioned:
-EGR failure
-Exhaust leak
-Excessive timing
-Poor gas
-Vacuum leak
-Bad injectors
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 09:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Iroc57
I apologize is this seems simple but have you ruled out exhaust leak? A Manifold gasket canl sound like a tap or knock inside the cabin under load only. Seems to be when it is happening.
Thanks, now I feel even more stupid

She has had a small exhaust leak for a bit, never even considered that could be what the issue is, ie it has got worse.

I will check that out. hmmmm nice way to tell the wife I need new headers......
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 11:15 AM
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Originally Posted by biglou71
Thanks, now I feel even more stupid

She has had a small exhaust leak for a bit, never even considered that could be what the issue is, ie it has got worse.

I will check that out. hmmmm nice way to tell the wife I need new headers......

I would say that it is a definate "while I'm there" item

If it turns out to be the cause that is
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