I checked the valley and there is nothing down there, and as far as the knock sensor I believe it's doing it's job, I don't think the knock sensor is designed to retard timing to far to the point were it runs like crap

 

Your engine is designed to run on REGULAR gas end of story. If your having detonation issues it is because something is WRONG. The knock sensor is among the reasons you could be having that problem. Bottom line is while the premium fuel may have masked your issue its still there.

 

Yea but the problem is, is that I have no codes popping up and no previous codes stored so I have no idea what else it could be and I don't have the money to be replacing random parts

 

If you have something against the knock sensor vibrating, -it'll can create havoc.

Shoot man, how much does it cost to look ? I know you didn't look lol.

 

Of course it's not silly. BUT, anything like a socket next to that sensor can scew timing. That sensor listens for internal noises. If somethings out side banging on the door, it's going to react, adjust, re-adjust, etc. Could be goofy like that.

Nope, no DTC for that sensor, that you see anyway.. Unless a wire shorts.

 

I'll put my magnet tool down there and see what comes up and get back to ya

 

Yea, just wanted to be sure that you were serious about this.

How many miles on that 97? Those are also picky when it comes to plugs. Which plugs are you running?

You could easily be carbon heavy,- with a lot of miles. Increased compression from build up can occur and result in this issue.

Ignition problems can also develop, just above the AC accumulator. The ignition Harness loops right there and with time, can contact the Accumulator, chaffing wires, insulation and creating ignition system havoc.

You have to totally eliminate the EGR as a suspect, - also the converters.

Everything above can be tested as you go. By yourself and free. Have to eliminate the possibilities, - one step at a time.

 

Took a look today, didn't find anything, stuck my magnetic tool down there didn't come up with much but little metal flake particles Layin around down there,

The truck is at 149xxx miles almost 150xxx
As far as plugs I do not know, the guy I bought it from said the plugs were changed 50 to 60xxx miles ago, I'm assuming they are motorcraft cause that's all he used for oil in it and he worked as a mechanic at the ford dealership
As far as the cats I think there fine I don't feel a loss of power yet, and I deleted the muffler and welded in a straight pipe, I also have 285/75/16 tires on it that it for mods if u wanna call em mods, I gotta change oil soon so Ill probably run some more seafoam through it before changing oil see if that does anything to it

 

Any chance the previous owner installed PI cyl heads on the engine? The PI heads will increase compression to the point of possible detonation under certain conditions.

 

Keep that Seafoam away from it.

 

Pi heads? I'm not familiar with that whats pi mean?

 

What's wrong with seafoam?

 

performance enhanced or improved. Seafoam is largely thought to be snake oil by some board members. I dont know if it works or not but I wont be sucking any liquid into my engine anytime soon.

 

If you do anything, put Techron in the gas. Don't suck anything down the vacuum line.

 

Hey it's possible, - that's a common upgrade ehh. I was sort of getting to a compression problem as a possibility (carbon BU). Then again, how often do you see a modular carboned up enough to make a dif.

They run lean from start to finish lol.

Maybe it jumped?