1990 Cutlass Supreme Quad4 Knock Problem

[jellis86]

I have the HO QUAD 4 engine ID "A" W/5 speed manual trans. I use premium fuel but it still knocks for the first few minutes of driving, especially when it is hot outside. It does get better after warming up but still knocks while climbing hills or under hard acceleration. Can anyone tell me where the knock sensor is located on this engine? I have looked in Chiltons and Hanes, both junk manuals IMHO, and it just says locate the knock sensor on the engine block... nice help!
Also, is there any other reason it would knock besides this sensor being bad?
This engine has approx. 105,000 miles on it and still runs great, other than the knocking.
Thanks in advance!

[Rockett30]

The Knock Sensor detects abnormal vibration (spark knocking) in the engine. What you are experiencing is something different. My 88 Calais 2.3 Quad 4 was knocking hard, almost like a lifter knock, but only when it got hot. When I went uphill, it quieted down. I discovered, with the greatful help of GMMerlin, that my timing chain was slapping against the front chain guide. After chaning out the timing chain, guides and tensioner, my engine runs great.

[jellis86]

I'm pretty sure this is engine "ping" caused by the combination of higher compression and lower gasoline octane. When in a higher gear and going uphill, it pings. However, when just cruising at highway speeds, it is quiet. Also, after the engine starts to warm up, the "ping" or knock lessens. I was assuming that the knock sensor might be controled by another sensor such as water temperature and or a vacuum activated temperature switch.