I am new to tuning and just purchased the EBL. I did my first log and VE learn. The knock counts are out of sight, but I do not see many instnaces of spark retard in the playback. I do have a noisy lifter. COuld that be the cause? Or am I melting my engine?

 

It could be the lifter.

 

Thanks. I believe I will have to address that before I go any further.

 

Knock counts can occur and not have knock retard. At idle is one instance where this will happen. Engine would stall if the timing was pulled back.

Can also get counts during cranking. Lots of noise with the starter engaging and what-not.

View the Spark Knock display and do a playback. That display will show counts & any related retard (average, peak, & total). If there is retard showing that is real retard. The ECM is pulling timing.

Note that at key-off additional counts & retard is normally registered. Ignore these at key-off. The ESC module is powered down immediately at key-off. While the ECM continues to run for 4 seconds afterwards. The immediate power off on the ESC module causes it to report counts. The ECM hasn't yet acted upon the key-off, so registers it as real knock.

RBob.

 

RBob, Thanks for the reply. My knock counts are 7000, but the retard occurances are less than 10. The high knock counts occur even during VE learn. What puzzles me is the high knock count in the log, but minimal instances of retard. I think your explanation covers it. I should, however, get the lifter tick addressed. I did put in a new knock sensor this morning and will see if that makes a difference.

I am assuming I should stay out of PE when doing VE learn. Is that correct?
I am surprised at the low DC (I do not get over 44%), but I assume this is due to not going into PE mode - I am taking it easy while I learn the tuning.

I am having great fun and I am going slow so I do not fry my engine. I will plug in my EGR and CCP and move on to to the spark table. I am glad I went with the EBL!

 

VE Learn: if using the BLM in closed loop with the standard O2 sensor, can not learn in PE mode.

The duty cycle will be at it's highest at higher RPM and load. This is when you need to keep an eye on it.

Knock counts: sounds like low level but consistent knocking is being reported. Knock sensor install torque is only 11 - 12 ft/lbs. Over tightening makes them too sensitive.

If you get a chance measure the resistance of the knock sensor. Pull the connector and measure between the center terminal and the block. Should be around 100K ohms (100000 ohms). If in the 3.9K range (3900 ohms), then it is the wrong sensor. This can cause consistent counts to be reported. But at a low enough level to not cause retard.

RBob.

 

I checked the old knock sensor I pulled out and it measures 100K ohms. The new one I put in is acting the same - 6000 to 7000 counts at all times and about 10 instances of spark retard. I know it is torqed more than you suggest. I will reduce the torque tonight and check the resistance. I expect this will solve the problem. I did not know this was an issue.

The only instances of knock were when I was in PE mode. Looking at the log I was impressed that the EBL is programmed to intercept when in PE mode and not include in the VE learn.

I will be curious to find out if the spark retard will still occur in PE mode when I lock down the VE table and then do a log. The retards occur at about 2700 RPM, 15% advance and 90 MAP. I do not expect an answer because I want to spend more time learning through trial and error and limit the time spent pestering you.

Thanks.

 

I retorqued the knock sensor and the counts went from a constant 6000 to 120. I attribute these knocks to the ticking lifter, which I need to address.