Identifying engine knock

[Newbie GT]

Hi how do you identify engine knock ? I know it sounds simple however it's talked about a lot on the forum so I'm trying to understand what to keep an eye open for. Do you need to constantly monitor this and would a taxtrix cable and rom raider be able to tell you if any Knocks appearing

Thanks for help

[bigBADbenny]

Best bet is to get a Tactrix and log it monthly and do a Learning View weekly until you establish that there is an issue or not.
Then save up for one of Matts tunes. Next time you are in Melbourne I can help out on all fronts from diagnosis to detailing.

[bigBADbenny]

The OEM engine management is all about preventing knock, but it can still occur on the factory tune, for various reasons...

You can get a dedicated knock light that uses a dedicated OEM knock sensor, mounted adjacent the stock sensor on top of the engine.
eg G4 knocklink, Gizzmo etc.
The control box filters the knock signal with learning and lights up dash mounted LEDs show if any, and the severity of the knock.
These units are passive, although hooking up a boost control cut solenoid wouldn't be impossible.

Its more of a cool toy, really as a good tune should prevent knock occurring.

[bigBADbenny]

Knock from detonation can ruin you engine very quickly, but there's anecdotal evidence that knocking noises generated by the vehicles mechanical components, including but not limited to: wastegate actuators, heat shields, engine covers, suspension, engine mounts, loose wires etc. can generate enough noise at the right frequency to affect the engine management.

[bigBADbenny]

So get a Tactrix, then a tune, and get control of the situation.

[shav]

So get a Tactrix, then a tune, and get control of the situation.

This ^^^

Or find someone who has the gear and software to log some files for you from time to time.

I was able to get a hold of Hotwire here in SA and he has kindly allowed me to borrow his OP2 tactrix so I can log some runs and see exactly what is going on. On the screen shot there was some knock detected, so I was able to send all the logs and SV to Matt for his assessment and a new revision is being made to suit. I now am adjusting my driving style to stay off boost as much as possible until I get the new revision to avoid issues. This is by far the best option to monitor what is happening on a regular basis if you are inclined to make sure all is running properly.

If you haven't got an initial tune done by Matt yet, I would get on it.