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

L-98 ESC (knock) sensor question

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Old Oct 7, 2002 | 08:45 PM
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Default L-98 ESC (knock) sensor question

On my old engine, the knock sensor is located in a hole in the block just in front of the starter next to the 4th oil pan bolt on that side. On my new engine, there is a block plug. Can I remove that plug and put the sensor there, or is there something special inside the vette block right there that would negate this interchangablility? :cheers:
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Old Oct 7, 2002 | 11:33 PM
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Default Re: L-98 ESC (knock) sensor question (dtorc4)

OK. Maybe it's not the knock sensor. I pulled it off my car and darn near got a coolant shower. If this isn't the know sensor, is it a coolant temp sensor? I thought those were on the heads (one per side). Someone explain this to me please :confused: :smash:
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 12:13 AM
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Default Re: L-98 ESC (dtorc4)

There is a collant sensor in the front of the block under the intake and another between #6 & #8 plugs.

The knock sensor is just in front of the starter near the bottom of the block; it goes into the water jacket.

The '85-'89 Vette has an ESC module just above the right side panel near the blower motor. The knock sensor plugs into this unit, which processes knock information and relays it to the ECM.



[Modified by 65Z01, 10:17 PM 10/7/2002]
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 01:42 AM
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Default Re: L-98 ESC (65Z01)

Thank you for the answer 65, but can I transfer the knock sensor from my car to the new engine, which just has the block plug in it?

Just out of curiosity, how does the ESC module process knock info from coolant? :cheers:
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 01:50 AM
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Default

Your knock sensor does indeed screw into that hole. It screws into a coolant passange. My knock sensor...

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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 02:06 AM
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Default Re: (scorp508)

Thanks Scorp. :cheers:

Now to reroute my oil pressure sensor block. :D
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 02:50 AM
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Default Re: (dtorc4)

I know this is kind of off the main topic but what will a failed knock sensor do? Will the car run still run normal?
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 03:13 AM
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Default Re: L-98 ESC (dtorc4)

Just out of curiosity, how does the ESC module process knock info from coolant?
Think SONAR; liquids can transmit sound waves fairly well. Of course any percussive sound on a solid surface will travel even better thru the alum/iron of the engine to where the knock sensor is.
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 03:57 AM
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Default Re: (zelement)

The knock sensor signals the ECM when knock is detected and the ECM pulls timing to reduce knock tendency; this protects the engine from destructive knock.

However, after warmup the ECM advances timing till the knock sensor registers a ping; if this "test" fails the ECM goes into Limp Home mode with fixed timing and a rich mixture to protect the engine till the knock sensor is fixed.

So,yes the knock sensor is an important part of our EFI engines.
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 04:10 AM
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Default Re: L-98 ESC (knock) sensor question (dtorc4)

The GM manual specs NOT TO reinstall the knock sensor. Once torqued down, then that's it. I guess it is so sensitive that the untorquing and re-torquing will distort the sensor housing and affect its performance. Good luck!
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 05:27 AM
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Default Re: L-98 ESC (GRX)

The GM manual specs NOT TO reinstall the knock sensor. Once torqued down, then that's it. I guess it is so sensitive that the untorquing and re-torquing will distort the sensor housing and affect its performance. Good luck!
Oh crap. :D
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 02:42 PM
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Default Re: L-98 ESC (dtorc4)

Oh crap. :D
Yep, you're right...it's just a knock sensor. ...and what the heck does the GM shop manual know? :D
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Old Oct 8, 2002 | 02:43 PM
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Default Re: (65Z01)

Thanks for your input!
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