Hi,

I have a 1990 Bronco with a 302.

My #1 question is this year equipped with a knock sensor? If yes where is it located?

I have a new timing gear set and want to install it. I know that gear driven timing assemblies are not recommended for vehicles with knock sensor.

My #2 question is how to identify if I have a “roller” block or not?
I want to upgrade my cam.

#3 Any recommendation on the cam?
I already have a mass air conversion on.
My needs are in the 2,500 to 3,500 RPM range. My issues is passing on freeway where the thing is just slow to increase speed from 60 to 80 MPH.

Thank you in advance,
George
gvolosh1@san.rr.com

 

not sure but i thought that the inline 6 had a knock sensor, dont think the v-8 in the broncos had them.

Also think only the HO engines have roller lifters-you just have regular hydraulic lifters.

check out the erson or crane web sites.

 

The knock sensor on EFI 302's (and 351's as far as I know) is in the block behind the intake. This puts it right in front of the transmission bellhousing and VERY close to the firewall. Its a two wire sensor that threads into the top of the block.

 

greystreak...can the knock sensor degrade like an O2 sensor? or does it just fail if it ia bad?
John

 

The knock sensor is a "vibration detector"(for lack of a better term) and as such I would tend to think that if it fails it will just fail. Unlike the O2 sensor which can become covered in exhaust particulants which will cause the readings that it gets to change over time. Be aware, however, that this is merely speculation on my part and I could be dead wrong. If the knock sensor fails though I would suspect that at least initially, you get a bit more "knock" from the engine until the computer figures out that the sensor isn't doing its job. It usually takes a few miles of driving for the computer to "compensate" for these things. Just as it does if you disconnect the battery for long enough. It (computer) has to "re-learn" shift points, fuel lixture, etc. If it loses electricity for long enough the base memory is cleared.

Steve83 knows a lot more about the computer systems in these trucks and can most likely shed more light on this than I can.

 

If there is a knock sensor then doesnt it just retard the timing when it senses knock? couldnt you just tap the valve cover with a screwdriver and see if it works?

 

Yes, you can give the block a tap with a hammer to test it. I wouldn't hit the valve cover...they aren't very resilient to strong poundings. Wait until the engine is at operating temp. though.