I have a 97 Accord SE, 2.2 non v-tech, automatic with a/c 147k mi.

During heavy acceleration and going up hills the engine makes a fairly noticeable knocking sound. The timing checks good (it is non-adjustable on this model anyway), I have a clean air filter and use name-brand gas. I have also tried quite a few fuel system cleaners with no significant change..

What should I try next to solve the issue?

Does anyone know if this car has a knock sensor? I swear I have seen what I believe is the ks above the oil filter on the back of the engine block. I have asked a couple different parts stores and they don't have a listing for my car.

 

The 97 Accord 4 cylinder (F22 engine) did not have a knock sensor. 98 Accord 4 cylinders (F23 engine) did have a knock sensor.

 

I did a VIN search and my car is definitely a 97. Maybe it was made late in 97 and has an F23 engine in it...

Either way, any ideas on how to troubleshoot/repair the engine knock?

Thanks!

 

Get a hoseaphone and narrow down the knock if you can. Different rooms. If it is a genuine knock, well that's bad. If it's just the valves that can be adjusted.

We just adjusted mine with the new headgasket but I've still got a bit of dieseling going on so I'm going to have to get back under the valve cover.

 

The oil pressure sender is over the oil filter...maybe that's what you saw.

Noises are kinda' tough over the web. Is it loud enough for a cellphone video to pick up? You could upload it to youtube and post a link.

 

Cylinder by cylinder with a stethoscope. Investigate the head on both sides of valves, then side of cylinder near the rod bearing in the piston, and then the main bearings on the crank. If you hear valve side, adjust valves. If you hear cylinder noise or crank noise, time to rebuild.

Since I'm not very familiar with these engines, I'm going to assume that maybe they have balance shafts. Consider that to be a possibility as well.

 

If it only makes noise under acceleration, you can rule out valves. They make most noise w/ cold engine and first start of the day.

Wrong heat spark plugs can cause pinging. Spark plug fouling can cause pre-ignition.

Leaking EGR valve might add enough hot EG to cause pinging under light load. If pinging goes away under hard acceleration (timing is retarded), the EG leak is something to investigate. Remove EGR valve and verify it moves freely and seals fully when not actuated (no vacuum). You can disable EGR (remove vacuum line and plug line) to see if faulty EGR solenoid valve is leaking and allowing EG flow when not commanded.

Cylinder head deposits can cause pre-ignition. A top-end cleaner added to gasoline may be helpful.

good luck