1988 Z51 knock sensor
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2003
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From: San Diego CA
1988 Z51 knock sensor
After following the trouble shooting guide in the shop manual I have decided to replace the knock sensor. The problem I am having is that NAPA and Kragen have sensors that are supposed to fit but do not. The replacement sensors all have a round stud for the electrical connection and the original has a "spade lug" but the major difference is that the threaded part that connects to the block is smaller on the replacement parts. They will slide completely into the threded hole in the block. The original part has a portion of the sensor that extends past the end of the threads whereas the replacement parts have nothing past the end of the threads.
I have looked many sensors at retail parts sites and they seem to be the same non fitting type although it was hard to tell on some sites.
Has onyone else experienced this phenomenon? I am going to make a trip to the Chevy dealer today to see if they can produce a sensor that will fit and at what cost.
Thank you for you time and effort on my behalf.
Roger.
I have looked many sensors at retail parts sites and they seem to be the same non fitting type although it was hard to tell on some sites.
Has onyone else experienced this phenomenon? I am going to make a trip to the Chevy dealer today to see if they can produce a sensor that will fit and at what cost.
Thank you for you time and effort on my behalf.
Roger.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: SE NY
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Are you sure it's the knock sensor you are looking at?
The coolant temp sensor is below #6 & #8 plugs, just above the knock sensor. TPIS shows a knock sensor in their catalog (P/N 300-175) to fit '85-'89 Corvette, Camaro & Firebird for $38.31.
Are you hearing ping or seeing knock retard on a scan tool? If knock retard, maybe you need to upgrade your ESC module to the version recommended to me by Gordon Killebrew (P/N on my site).
The coolant temp sensor is below #6 & #8 plugs, just above the knock sensor. TPIS shows a knock sensor in their catalog (P/N 300-175) to fit '85-'89 Corvette, Camaro & Firebird for $38.31.
Are you hearing ping or seeing knock retard on a scan tool? If knock retard, maybe you need to upgrade your ESC module to the version recommended to me by Gordon Killebrew (P/N on my site).
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Originally Posted by mikey whipreck
pulling the knock sensor will drain all the coolant, right?
Yes! Unless you get it back in quickly 
As to changing the ESC as posted above, Gorden has made this recommendation to all he comes in contact with!
The NAPA knock sensor should work fine, unless, as suggested above, you are not looking at the knock sensor
Good luck
seeya
Jack
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by 65Z01
Are you sure it's the knock sensor you are looking at?
The coolant temp sensor is below #6 & #8 plugs, just above the knock sensor. TPIS shows a knock sensor in their catalog (P/N 300-175) to fit '85-'89 Corvette, Camaro & Firebird for $38.31.
Are you hearing ping or seeing knock retard on a scan tool? If knock retard, maybe you need to upgrade your ESC module to the version recommended to me by Gordon Killebrew (P/N on my site).
The coolant temp sensor is below #6 & #8 plugs, just above the knock sensor. TPIS shows a knock sensor in their catalog (P/N 300-175) to fit '85-'89 Corvette, Camaro & Firebird for $38.31.
Are you hearing ping or seeing knock retard on a scan tool? If knock retard, maybe you need to upgrade your ESC module to the version recommended to me by Gordon Killebrew (P/N on my site).
