As the title stated. I am using a ALDL cable w/ a laptop. What should I be looking for when it comes to knocks? How many is too many? What RPM's should I look for them at? Etc.

 

The knock counts in the ALDL are actually knock counts x 256. The counter shouldnt advance much during normal use. If it starts advancing alot in one area, then that may indicate a detonation issue.

 

I drove around for about 40 minutes and had 40-50 counts. Too many? Or should I just be looking for a bunch of counts at one time?

 

Sounds fine... As long as there arnt cells that continually keep rolling over in winALDL you should be ok. Id be willing to bet that most of those counts where on startup. The starter triggers the KS.

 

Knock counts and deciding on them is a tough thing. As Dimented24x7 mentioned the start engaging will trigger counts. Shut down will also trigger counts. Rough roads and tire slippage on heavy throttle can trigger knock counts.

Then the one I like the most: the ECM will force the engine to knock. This is done as part of the code 43 malfunction test. The first time in PE mode the ECM will advance the timing, a lot, to force the engine to knock.

When tuning I'll check the plugs for signs of detonation. And check the data logs to see if the counts are always happening in the same RPM/MAP point. In general it is normal to get random scattered knock counts.

RBob.

 

Good! Then up goes the timing!

Thanks guys.

 

That only works when the chambers are detonation limited.Be aware of any roughness or loss in perfomance. That can also signify too much SA.

RBob.