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

where is knock sensor? and ESC module?

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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 03:26 PM
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Default where is knock sensor? and ESC module?

Is knock sensor opposite my water coolant temp sensor? and is the ESC behind the bread box passenger side?

I'm getting a ESC code and car is running like crap, but was perfectly fine a few weeks ago.

'86 L98
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 03:50 PM
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the knock sensor is down by the the starter, a little in front of it, threaded into the block just above the oil pan, it has a 1 pin connector and its round, kinda hard to see.. not sure on the esc, I'd havta dig a manual out.. my car was kinda lacking parts when I got it..
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 04:18 PM
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 04:30 PM
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Originally Posted by rithsleeper
Is knock sensor opposite my water coolant temp sensor? and is the ESC behind the bread box passenger side?

I'm getting a ESC code and car is running like crap, but was perfectly fine a few weeks ago.

'86 L98
No, the ESC isn't behind the breadbox.

It's under the hood, passenger side, near the firewall, mounted behind the front tire. A little rearward of the hood latch. About the size of half a pack of cigarettes.

Hard for me to describe where it's mounted.

Jake

West Point ROCKS!

Last edited by JAKE; Mar 10, 2009 at 05:27 PM. Reason: Change above to behind
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 04:45 PM
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ESC is mounted just below the HCAC blower motor.Faces outward, may be partly covered by the passenger "gill".
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by RPD_Vette84
Thats nice wat ci ?????????
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 05:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Muffin
ESC is mounted just below the HCAC blower motor.Faces outward, may be partly covered by the passenger "gill".
Yep, I guess between the two of us he'll be able to find it.

Jake
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 05:17 PM
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This might help
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 05:22 PM
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Originally Posted by floridamale
This might help
YEA!!!

Jake

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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 06:27 PM
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350ci.
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Old Mar 12, 2009 | 02:04 AM
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great pic showin the knock sensor. Is that aluminum heads AND block?!?! haha jk
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Old Mar 13, 2009 | 04:18 AM
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Originally Posted by joshwilson3

And can the knock sensor be removed without lifting the car?
I can tell you it can be removed by lifting the engine...dont ask how I know this....




If you have an oil cooler, I dont think there are any drain plugs.
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Old Mar 13, 2009 | 05:06 AM
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The knock sensor is used for the drain plug passenger side if you remove it coolant will flow from the hole, There should be a fitting with a bolt on drivers side
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Old Mar 13, 2009 | 09:54 AM
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When you go to remove the knock sensor, take care you don't break the plastic nipple (acoustic coupler) thingie that surrounds the sensor electrode. One slip of your box-ended wrench and BLOOP! It's done for.

You can use a pair of vice clamp to get a good bite on the circular part of the sensor to coax it out if need be. Be sure and re-torque the sensor to FSM specs. since it needs to be adequately installed to listen for spark knock.

I believe it's 13 or 15 lbs. but someone who knows for sure chime in.
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Old Mar 13, 2009 | 03:49 PM
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To drain the coolant from the block, I've used the Knock Sensor on the passenger side and the oil coolant fitting on the driver's side. But that was on the L98 and 400 blocks.

I haven't had to drain my LT1 block yet, but if I do, I'll look for the knock sensors and/or screw in plugs.

Jake

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Old Mar 13, 2009 | 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted by joshwilson3
And can the knock sensor be removed without lifting the car?
It can if you can get your arm down in there, but it would probably be easier from underneath..
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Old Mar 14, 2009 | 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by joshwilson3
Is that inch or foot lbs.?

Oh, and I do have an oil cooler on mine.
Does it really matter? Put it in til it's tight.. Just because you HAVE a torque spec for something doesn't mean it's absolutely critical.. I doubt few people have ever installed a knock sensor with a torque wrench..
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Old Mar 14, 2009 | 11:44 PM
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Yes, the torque reading for the knock sensor is important to get right. I always torque mine using a torque wrench.

Jake
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Old Mar 15, 2009 | 12:13 AM
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Originally Posted by joshwilson3
What is the torque spec?
The FSM for the 86 Vette sets the torque spec at 14 ft./lbs.

It also calls for thread sealer, such teflon tape, on the sensor threads. GM changed the tape recommendation in later year Vettes, but I don't recall which year it was changed.

Jake

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Old Mar 15, 2009 | 01:43 AM
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Originally Posted by joshwilson3
You don't even have to use a torque wrench to install head bolts, but it would probably be a good idea.
That's one of the few things you ever see someone in the shop pull a torque wrench out for. It's important to torque head bolts to spec. If you ever had an engine replaced under warranty at a gm dealer I can almost guarantee the knock sensor wasn't torqued to spec, along with all of the other sensors. I know I've never bothered to on any engine I've ever done at work, never saw anyone else do it either. Can't say it's ever been an issue. There are probably some guys out there that do it though, who knows.. If you arn't sure how tight to make it a torque wrench defently wouldn't hurt though..
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