What all does the knock sensor do and how do I know if it is bad?
I was told that it advanced the timing. I was wondering could this be a cause of lack of power.


Thanks

 

The knock sensor detects engine vibration, or knock, and adjusts the timing to compensate for it. Do NOT run your engine without a knock sensor. Without it, you run the risk of engine detonation. I highly, highly doubt the knock sensor could, or would cause a lack of power. As far as checking one, I'm not too sure if there's an easy way to do so, but they are about $30 from a local auto zone, so they aren't too expensive to replace. Do you think you have a bad one?

Edit: I saw your other post on the manifolds... throw a timing light on your motor and check it, it sounds to me like you have too much timing advance.