TheExaminer

I just threw a code 43 for the firs time. This is the knock sensor right? I did a coolant flush the other day, and have left it in the car for a few days to do a thorough cleaning (as per the instructions on the bottle) because some of my hoses were gunked up. I've since read that some guys recommend taking the knock sensor out when you do this, could be something got screwed up. I've never heard that before, but saw it tonight. Just thought I'd run it by to double check. Doesn't totally make sense to me, because the coolant would drain out wouldn't it? Well, I guess I can drain it tomorrow and get a new sensor if need be. It's only money....lol

TheExaminer

BTW, other than the cat rattling a little, it's running fine. But on this car, whenever there is a temp sensor issue, or anything else like this that might make it run a little rich, the cat starts rattling. #%@&!!! I should have known...... I'll flush it out again with clean water in the morning, maybe I'll be lucky enough for it to have been a false code or temporary....otherwise I'm out $45.....

bestracing

Could also be the ignition control module or the wiring in-between the knock sensor/ECM/ICM.

A friends 91 Formula is throwing that code too every now and then. He says it runs fine, no surging like timing is being affected and after a few seconds the check engine light goes back off and the only code that shows is 43.

You don't have to remove a knock sensor to flush a block but it is a good idea because a lot of stuff settles to the bottom and the knock sensor and the plug on the driver side are the lower drain plugs for the block so you will get a lot more stuff out of the motor through those holes than just draining the radiator and running water through the motor.

TheExaminer

I figured it might not like the detergent in the cleaner or something. IDK. But I flushed it out again with clean water and so far it hasn't popped up again. I haven't driven it very far though, so we will see. I'll drive it to work Friday. Do you think I should pull them out to try to do a total drain of the block before I put new coolant in? I had an oil cooler line leak and replaced part of the line. While I had the antifreeze out of it, I decided to do a flush. I want to make sure there are no leaks before I put coolant in it again, just water in there now. So now is the time to drain it if need be.

bestracing

If you can get to them then might as well. I had a block where one plug was nearly impossible to remove with the engine sitting on the stand. I know it would have been worse to remove if it was in the car.

TheExaminer

Meh, I'll give it a look. If it's too much trouble I'll just let it go. LOL BTW, would it be stupid to open the plugs, put a garden hose in the radiator and run the engine to circulate as much garbage as possible out?

bestracing

That's basically how the old flush kits use to work only they had a fitting that you would put into your heater hose to connect the garden hose to. I've done it with the thermostat removed, top hose clamped onto a pool hose into a container and the garden hose into the radiator.

TheExaminer

Ok. If I can get them out, I may give that a try. I noticed some of that red crap in my coolant and hoses, want to get as much out as I can. Hope I can get to 'em.