How to Easily Diagnose and Fix Engine Knock

[@kn520]

Dear Ratchets, I honestly don't know what I'd be doing with my car if it wasn't for you. You've helped me so much over the last 5-10 years, your videos are always comprehensive; understandable and often funny. I've undertaken many DIY car repairs confidentially and successfully thanks to you, including but not limited to, spray-painting (re-clearing; blending; sanding/polishing and so on). Thanks so much , keep up the amazing work, we all appreciate you more than words could ever describe!

[@العلومبالعربية-ص4ظ]

Most other channels just blame the lean mixture or the low octane fuel but you've done a great job putting together a comprehensive list of causes that contribute to engine knocking.

[@ACOGJESUSSCOPES]

5:24 "it Donald Trump's the ignition timing". I had to play this 3 times to make sure I heard it right!😆😆😆

[@hondamancl450]

It doesn't matter what you heard all i can say is DONALD TRUMP 2020

[@SnooziiTv]

@@hondamancl450 he lost lol

[@dogedude9537]

@@SnooziiTv Rip the keystone pipeline, gas is about to be way more expensive

[@mrniceguy3750]

@@SnooziiTv No… We lost!!!

[@stout890]

Donald Trump 2024!!!! 2020 was stolen!

[@myfavorites1016]

I got a 2013 Chevrolet impala and with direct injection i had a pinging noise when i accelerated, i added that Berryman B-12 AND it really helped that pinging. I assume i had carbon build up . Very interesting video 👍

[@johnwaldrop3211]

You added to the gas or what exactly ?

[@jamesmeny]

You just answered exactly what my car has been doing for a while. Time to change the spark plugs! Thanks for the video!

[@jeffreyroyjr4691]

Did it fix the engine knock ???

[@TvrkishOutlaw]

Did it fix your engine knock?

[@adiansbane]

This video was super informational and explained in very easy to understand and terms! Thank you for explaining so comprehensively what can cause engine knock, I feel much more confident going into the mechanic now instead of just driving up and saying 'there is a concerning noise, fix it!'

[@garyr7027]

Strange thing about running a lean condition is, it ends up using more fuel. You'd think if it's running lean it'd be less, however you end up mashing the throttle open more to compensate for the lack of power and in turn makes it use more fuel.

[@mikescudder4621]

Was thinking about that just now!

[@kittypigeonclueless5566]

The fellow doing these videos is magnificent. I believe I've learned more, via an easier fashion, regarding engines from him than from anyone else. That's not to say that there aren't a lot of good fellows on the innerweb putting out good stuff, I mean to say that this fellow is just that much better. Great presentation! Thank you so much for teaching me stuff for free!

[@williamwhite9767]

Thanks for the video. I add a couple bottles of Gumout with PEA to my vehicles gasoline occasionally to help clean up the intake valves and combustion chamber. I also use it in my old carbed motorcycles and it does a good job helping to keep the carbs from plugging up. I also use it in the gas of my 2 stroke FI boat motor where it solved an engine miss. I also mix some with the gas in all of my gas powered lawn tools to keep the carbs clean. Chevron Techron does a good job too I've heard.

[@IrAbynormal]

Thank you for uploading this video it's the most comprehensive coverage on what could cause a P0325 code available on KZbin. I recently had my head gasket replaced on my 2005 honda civic lx special edition. Three days after getting it back I'm getting a P0325 code thanks to you I at least have some steps to take before I spen a ton more money.

[@aboelsofalabed1588]

Honestly I like the way how you explain every thing thanks a lot man

[@2000351Ranger]

All the negatives or thumbs down are from non-tech / techs, looking at how to repair a ranger in their bay, and mad that you are giving techy secrets out lol... They can't make money on this repair now because you perfectly explained how to repair it.... 🙂👍 Whos the man....Youdaman

[@supersabrosinho]

No, all the negative thumbs down are from Trump supporters who got their feelings hurt over his ignition timing joke.

[@2000351Ranger]

@@supersabrosinho 😆 Trump Supporters are not fazed... Only Kevin's and Karen's

[@Snookbite24]

I had to rewind and rewatch a few times to confirm what I heard but OMG the joke about the computer retarding the timing was hilarious. I screamed in laughter 😂😂😂

[@KingLess2000]

Great video. It explain and or answered my questions. I've looked for videos about knocking and couldn't find any explaining or showing or even detailing it to me like this. Great video.

[@briansydnes1711]

Would be great if all engine knock problems were as simple as old plugs. Good list of possible causes. For the purpose of evaluating fuel trims for rich or lean condition, it should be check at varied engine speeds and loads. I recently switched from 87 octane in my Ecotec, GDI engine to 91 Octane, Top Tier fuel and it significantly reduced my positive long term fuel trims. Before it would run nearly 10 percent, but now it is 2-3, with STFT fluctuating between -2 and + 2. This is consistent through all engine loads.

[@insus100]

@BruceWayne-sz3th or just buy a new veehickle.

[@chandamwila1754]

Thanks my mechanic.My Toyota Hiace 1rz engine had this problem recently and was fixed by correcting the ignition timing.The distributor was over advanced.thanks good video.

[@celestinnt]

😂😂😂😂😂 "it DONALD TRUMPS......" I seriously had to replay this multiple times just to make sure my ears were not deceiving me!!! Who else turned on Captions because of that?

[@hydroprideroofingcontracto4043]

Céléstin NT same 🤪

[@ethanharris2897]

Me XD

[@thatguybrooke]

😂YES! I definitely replayed it seven times or more times! and then turned on the captions and he definitely says Donald Trump's and the captions say it too!?! What is he trying to say? Or is he literally making a joke cuz I'm trying to learn lol And I don't think Donald Trump had anything to do with the engine knocking or not 😂🤷‍♂️

[@jimthedog8877]

He replaced the word “retard” with Donald trump. I wonder if that’s responsible for any of his thumbs down

[@davidrice4873]

I did the same thing "doland trumps the timing"

[@oscarbolo]

Dude you are the Best. Excellent teaching. Now i have a more detailed idea about what to check in my car that is knocking. I realiza i never change the spark plugs. Easy solution. Thanks

[@maryhoffman2547]

You have no idea how happy I am that I found you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@Dc2Pichy]

God bless u always. U just confirmed y my car has the problems it have. Thank u very much for putting videos like this that a 10 years old can fallows ur teachings. Thank u very much 🙏💯💪

[@dannyhuynh7377]

You would make a great mechanic teacher for a tech college. So thorough and easy to understand. 👍

[@insurancedice]

Thanks for the video! Based on what I understand here with my Toyota v6 I'm going to simply try higher octane fuel as a 'dumb' diagnostic to see if it helps. Of course this doesn't fix the problem, but gives me some time before I have to worry about fixing it. Then I'll probably do some Seafoam, easy to do and not a whole lot of effort (possibly will clean out carbon.) Then after I've wasted my time and gas money on that I'll go after the real problem which I'll bet is probably EGR, spark plugs, or lean fuel.

[@johndoe-ok6jb]

very impressed thanks man u look tired tho, get some rest big brugh thanks for the links,yr great.

[@judgenjurry1]

Dude you are a life saver thank you for makeing this video its amazing how simple you made things when you explain thrm properly

[@Goat-pe5ox]

ShadowSoldier exact same position rn thank you for this video saved me from buying a new engine

[@mferrarorace]

Good diagnosis and remedy. Too bad you can't cook. But someday I can teach you. But I'm busy inventing a 20ft pry bar to remove the balancer off a Honda accord.

[@sm7538]

Donald trumps the ignition timing 😂😂😂 that's a good one

[@DiegoMazda3]

S M I got a good laugh from that as well😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@apachelives]

honest mistake

[@onemoremisfit]

It Donald Trumps the ignition timing to eliminate the Hillary that is damaging the engine, thereby Making Engines Great Again.

[@chrisfox727]

Volusia-ev not everyone gives a shit about being politically correct

[@myRatchets]

glad you found it funny :0

[@GripFreak]

Great information! It's obvious you're an experienced mechanic by your explanations. Great job and thanks for sharing! Subscribed!!!🙂

[@TheMharrouchi]

Hi friend. I believe what you are trying to describe is called pre-ignition which is different from detonation. Pre-ignition is when you have a secondary source oh heat such as carbon deposit that would cause the fuel and air mix to ignite while the spark plug is off. Detonation is when you have two or more pockets of compressed air and gas mix that would ignite at the same time within the same cylinder. Since the two explosion have and fight for the limited space their collision will cause what’s known as a knock.

[@williamwhite9767]

I think I heard you say that decreasing the timing BTDC will increase the chance of spark knock giving the example of it changing from 30 degrees BTDC to 15 degrees BTDC increasing the odds of having spark knock. You got that backwards. I love your videos man! I look forward to each and every one of them!

[@bradh6185]

Very informative. I feel much more capable of tracking down my ping in my Ford 4.2. I just bought it and I'm not sure if the plugs have ever been changed. 128,000 miles. But I will go through this process. Thank you. Donald Trump is the greatest President in American history.

[@akiramiyazono]

I have been wanting to replace my spark plugs for a long time but I haven't, after watching this video I ordered my spark plugs and I will be changing them tomorrow.

[@kennyrogers3919]

Love your videos! That scanner definitely is not for the everyday joe 😂 Expensive!! That’s what ya need to do all the mechanics stuff though. The cheap ones will not do all the stuff this one will.

[@nickalasonaka6999]

Ty for the info! I'm gonna go to school for auto engineering! This helps a lot! Please make more diagnostic videos! Have a blessed day:)

[@charlesburns8649]

That is a fundermental point of contact for the better part of the repair,and expert knowledge.

[@rhetorical_annihilation]

Its pretty important to show what the knocking noise actually sounds like.

[@FCAutos]

Another great video, dude. Congrats! - Saludos!

[@myRatchets]

Glad you like the video, thanks for commenting.

[@wyndilescabarte94]

@@myRatchets 1

[@edpowell5754]

From Buffalo, N.Y. Thanks for posting this video, it was very informative, THANK YOU.

[@kaganhudayar630]

Yep - "The computer 'Donald Trumps your ignition timing" he said. With a straight face no less. Brilliant! I am subscribing immediately.

[@supersabrosinho]

The man is a legend

[@johnnyturbo8460]

Well done brother, smooth and simple explanations. Great job!

[@ricksimpson2167]

You can check a knock sensor by taking a hammer and tapping on the intake manifold if the motor stumbles for a second the knock sensor is working

[@BryanChance]

This video is fantastic. Watch and learn all the stuff from Ratchets and Wrenches channel and you'll be a damn good mechanic, or at least you'll able to work on your own car. The best quality explanations on the subject. I really need to get that scanner. ;p

[@Captnbrik]

your videos are always high quality content and information. Keep it up!!

[@myRatchets]

will do, thanks.

[@shortafewbolts]

Thank you!!! I have a '06 Mazda B3000 which has similar knocking issues. I'll replace the sparkplugs first. The previous owner/friend says it's never been done.

[@hamidbiandooh8863]

Thank you for the extensive video and precise inspection, This video really helped me out :)

[@the_ndo_kemist8517]

This is by far the best video you have ever made.

[@sergiogobniskeb3718]

Thank you for explaining in very simple ways how to find the problem and restore piece of mind.

[@ChavezDIY]

love your videos bro! I always learn something.

[@markallen8132]

For some reason all of your video's I watch around the middle of the video the screen turns black. But I still hear the video and could pause & rewind. All the function you normally have when watching KZbin. You really should contact them, because I watch KZbin often and only your videos have ever done this. By the way great info. Mark

[@Omar-mv5gs]

Thanks for explaining ENGINE KNOCK so it could be easy to understand.

[@aliokab6999]

thanks a lot for your great info Ali Ibrahim

[@paulrixon5893]

This was an excellent video. It would be great if you could do one on determining if it's rod knock instead.

[@shul5684]

Engine knock only.makes noise when you accelerate.. if it's knocking while in idle it's probably a rod knock.

[@oopaiyx6x]

Very simple and to the point. Amazing video!!

[@thesetruths1404]

Hi. I've got an unmodified 1998 Nissan Pathfinder, 164,000 miles, 3.3L V6, 5 speed automatic transmission. Owned by an elderly couple...treated well. Runs smoothly. 10w-30 oil/filter is new and full. Same with transmission fluid. When it's first started it knocks or loudly rattles for 3 seconds. Then it stops. Once warm it will only do the startup rattle about 50% of the time. Exact same noise returns from about 1,800 to 3,200 RPM and then stops. Also, the noise quiets and sometimes disappears between 1,800 - 3,200 RPM if I let off of the accelerator and coast. It also will not do it sometimes if I'm going up a steep hill slowly with the RPMs are in that midrange, under the hill's load. The noise increases in speed and loudness with increasing RPMs. It sounds like 1 or maybe 2 cylinders of the 6, to me. The main bearings and rod bearings were changed. Looked good, some rod bearing wear on a couple but not serious. No rod or crank shaft slop was noted before or after replacement. Made no difference in the noise. The crank was NOT sanded/polished. It throws a P1400 code for EGRC Solenoid Valve error. I don't notice any idling or power issues though. It returns within a few minutes after clearing the code. Could this cause a knocking noise at certain times like I have? It runs smooth cold and hot. I've narrowed it down to 5 things based on its part time occurrence: 1. Flex plate? 2. Timing belt tensioner failing (unknown when last changed)? 3. Torque converter? 4. Hydraulic lifters? 5. EGRC Solenoid Valve? I have two short videos I recorded it and can share if you want to hear it. Thanks!

[@sushilsorout]

That's what we need. Detailed information, what causes what and why. Excellent video there. Subscribed! :)

[@tobiasduke432]

learn a lot from your video dude!

[@pablomagnan2389]

Exelent te felicito muy profesional la explicación. Gracias desde Argentina .

[@KmOvBpE8224]

Clintoning of the knock sensor would be devastating

[@jklax]

If you're using a private email sensor, there could be some knock.

[@deeobeau2256]

What about Urmamasnuking lil Brain brandon ?

[@rojoperro310]

Or the spark plugs. They gotta stay dry

[@abdainawi]

Lol my mechanic made it simple.. Drive it till the engine gives up & then just change the whole engine

[@bayarea1974]

That's what my mechanic told me

[@bantamdude]

Yeah!? Because that’s way cheaper🙄

[@leomaze4749]

Its way cheaper to replace the engine than to rebuild it. The down side to this is that you dont know what problems the used engine might have. Rebuilding an engine will let you know everyting is ok.

[@edwardcornell1263]

Change all of the sensors while doing it.

[@Olsonb211]

That’s what I was told as well

[@007lifestyle2]

But what causes engine knock at startup that last only 2 to 3 seconds then smoothes out and everything quite .. especially happens at cold startups when the cars been sitting for hour or 2 .

[@MircoAlexander365]

Thanks for the information. Just replaced old carb with new holly for 69 fairlane and had issues with gauging rpm, I don't have rpm gauge, engine was reving high, now under control but noticed knocking sound.

[@thymppi]

thank you for very informative video! I have kind a knocking sound on my golf mk 3 gti above 4000 rpm when accelerating to highway and have huge powerloss.

[@matlock8314]

Many Thanks! Except I was looking forward to hearing what the knocking sounds like.

[@Tonyv1951]

I enjoyed the video, but if I'd been diagnosing that fault, pretty much the first thing I'd have done is pull out those plugs and had a look at them, but that would have made a very short video.

[@rameenmahabadi5992]

Tonyv1951 disagree, other people might be experiencing other issues resulting in the same problem. Video was very informative. 👍🏼

[@hectormartinez8442]

This is one of the best ten min. video. Good explanation and good snack while you watching. You know, about timming belt and the bored dog. Hahaha. I really enjoyed this video.

[@leonjohnsonjr3331]

MAN YOU THE BEST U GAVE THE BEST ANSWER THEN ANYBODY ON YOU TUBE YOU TGE BEST!!!!!

[@NutsandBoltsAuto]

I know this is unrelated, but i would like to see a video on scan tool values. What i mean is, pretty much the "ballpark figures" for normal readings AND what the numbers mean. I'm pretty much a beginning mechanic (in school at the moment) and a video of that sort would be incredibly useful. I think it would have to be one of your longer videos, since theres so much to cover, but every car nowadays needs a scan tool... so theres a lot of value in understanding how to "read" a scanner. Thanks in advance :D

[@semco72057]

That was a nice video to watch, and I knew about some of the problems one could find in the vehicles, but didn't know about the EGR system, and have to do further checking on that. Thanks for sharing this information with us.

[@TexasPLNR]

Good video. My understanding is generally the same. Only comment I have is that ignition knock noise is caused by asymmetric pressure load on piston causeing piston to be slapped against cylinder wall creating noise. regards

[@Tonyv1951]

That's a different problem. In England we call it piston slap. It has a different sound too. It is caused by worn piston and cylinder in an old high mileage engine.

[@briansydnes1711]

or if you own a GM early 2000+ 3.2 - 3.8L V-6, we call piston slap a normal operational characteristic. :(

[@Headfirst-M80]

My engine had 300k on it. Just bought it. It didnt knock when i bought it but today i changed the oil and turned it on. It knocked, and knocked in nuetral, but when i drove it stopped then after driving around the block the knock stopped. Update I think its an EGR problem or something. Like a diaphragm that isnt working properly till it heats up and it may be messing with the o2 sensor bank 1 Update pt.2 The bank 1 sensor one replaced from a junker, it killed the code, the deep wierd knocking sound was coming from a rectangular unit behind the EGR valve. It had lost all of its screws and blown open. I bailing wire tied it back together and now have an egr code but the sound stopped

[@KwokChunMan]

Watched a whole bunch of people trying to explain knocking on a whiteboard. Didn't satisfy my quest for knowledge. Luckily a proper mechanic knows how to explain!

[@מוחמדבראנסי-ג3ר]

Thank you for the video. I need your help to solve a knock sensor problem in my car

[@NeilLB7]

I thought detonation happened before the ECM or distributor commanded spark ignition. Not after. That’s why it’s so bad. Because the piston position is still a long way away from being where it needs to be and the explosion of fuel tries to send it back the wrong way. Another term used to be pre-ignition. And advanced timing also causes it.

[@Socal-1776]

Been having issues on my new to me truck a Silverado with 133k keeps throwing a knock sensor code already changed the maf which was at 1ish g/s at idle . Cleaned the intake manifold and I’m going to change the spark plugs next hopefully that was my issue 😢

[@Xyrium]

Wow, nicely done sir.

[@candyhearts3581]

Hello I have a Nissan quest 1996 and the knocking when I started up but after that then it goes away thumbs up great video 👍😁

[@TwoTrakMind]

Thanks for the helpful video. One question. Wouldn't a bad knock sensor, or egr throw a code?

[@Bob430E]

Thanks. I think I will buy the truck I saw , with that problem. Thanks a million !

[@wholeNwon]

Another really good video. Thanks! But am worried about how you are venting CO in your garage.

[@myRatchets]

No worries it's a well ventilated garage.

[@myRatchets]

haha good one.

[@wholeNwon]

Good. But remember, there's no such thing as a sub-toxic dose of CO, just degree of toxicity.

[@RGRC27]

@@myRatchets i have knockin on my bmw 550i engine is that any way to send you a video how sound?

[@vincentm8459]

Great video man you help me out !

[@dominic9028]

Good video, but detonation can happen at any point in the combustion process...before or after the spark is introduced to mixture.

[@Dazed-84_]

Great video very professional not like other videos I've seen keep making them and will keep watching them thanks for the help

[@MelusiBhenguthe_great]

so, no crank shaft bearing changing whatsoever? when is it required to check/change the crankshaft bearings?

[@Smasher-Devourer]

I have a 2006 Chrysler 300C 5.7 that is heavily modded (2009+ cylinder heads, 2009+ intake manifold, headers, cam, MDS/EGR delete) currently untuned. It only runs if the MAP sensor is unhooked at startup. You can plug MAP back in while its running, but then I hear a knocking/pinging noise. I'm guessing due to detonation. Between all the mods and EGR not able to be used (there's no way to hook it up and make it work with the new heads) that's probably why I heard that sound. It went away when I unhooked the MAP sensor again. Plus the heads also increase compression to about 12:1 or so. Its probably a combination of several factors, Fuel/Air/EGR. I just wish my tuner would stop dicking around and send me my tune.

[@12vgs8606]

Were original plugs fine wire plantinum or irridium? At least the wear pattern looked like they were fine wire. The new one definitely looked like standard plugs and NOT fine wire. If original were standard plugs, I am very impressed with the ability of the ignition system to fire them with such a massive gap!

[@norakat]

Your the man! Thanks for your help. Let you know if I fix my problem.

[@christian_cantarutti]

Thanks for this. Very on-point and descriptive.

[@JohnWaid6Plus]

Thanks man you explained this very good.. best video explained to me!

[@cbarajas52]

Great video dude. Your very knowledgeable and you teach very well easy to follow great content dude!!!

[@davidreis6431]

this guy is GOOD. many thanks.

[@tone7560]

Great video, explained everything perfectly

[@brandieboi2000]

I love this video! Now I know where to start on my car! Thanks

[@g.m.4864]

Cute dog cameo. A good buddy while you work.

[@etran2719]

As always another great video, please keep on making them!

[@abddelmohabir924]

Haha funniest mechanic channel on KZbin!

[@ArchersPlace]

I'm trying to determine if my knock is from this or my flex plate/torque... My knocking mellows out when I put the truck in neutral... But when I'm idling at lights,etc it's really loud. Thoughts?

[@jeffreyroyjr4691]

Ever figure out what it was ?

[@djmajiktuch82]

So the 2004 ranger doesn't have an egr valve?... my 2001 3.0 ranger has one and it's doing the same knocking sound on load too. Thanks for the info. especially on those banks. I have the blue driver obd ll sensor and that info will come in handy.

[@drexter_kihiu.]

Keeping us in the track always

[@ericherrmann3799]

its a pre ign. knock lighting the fuel mix before the spark plug not after, while the piston is still going up . you might want to look into it. After the spark plug lights the fuel theres nothing left to burn one two or three more times like you said

[@corneliuswalker3319]

Is the EGR system a different mechanism than a secondary air injection pump system?

[@careyautorepairs]

Love this video brother.