Octane Adjustment Bar?

[HyYoSilver]

My 92 had one that I removed to alleviate spark knock. It was a wiring harness plug-in located on the passenger side firewall. Does a 94 have one? My daughter's 94 3.8 has developed a spark knock when going up hills, and I thought that would be a quick fix if it's indeed equipped with one.

While doing a search, it seems that the PCV system gets clogged and sends excess oil into the intake.....? Would installing a new PCV valve and cleaning the hoses help with spark knock?

Thanks,
HyYo

 

[Adverse2Change]

Is it an auto or manual? On manuals, just down shifting will usually eliminate knocking going up hills. Cleaning the entire intake system will help temporarily, but knocking will eventually come back. Your best bet is to up the octane if it gets really bad.

 

[HyYoSilver]

Thanks for the reply, NCSU. Yeah, it's a manual, and the pinging is getting worse. I plan on checking the EGR and PVC systems this weekend; maybe clean up everything and install a new PVC valve.

If that dosen't help, guess I'll take your advice and go up a grade in gas and see what that does.....

 

[ChrisYellowV6]

Here's the thing... i think your 92 probably had fuel injection not a carb, i know the 94 does. The reason people used to go to higher octane gas is because the carbs would get knocked out of whack and let too much air in, and a higher octane gas requires more air in the chamber to ignite the same amount of gas. on fuel injection cars, it is unusual for the air/gas mix ratio to get out of sync, but sometimes the injectors get clogged. I would first try cleaning the injectors and if that doesnt work look into getting them replaced. That's probably where your problem lies.

 

[HyYoSilver]

Thanks Chris. I'll try some injector cleaner in it too.