Phantom knock source??

[HIGHPSI4]

As some of you may have read I am really having trouble with knock pulling all timing in my '90 AWD. So far I have changed in 3 ECU's, 2 knock sensors, 2 MAS, made a CAI, MCCC and colder plugs, etc. I have switched in a different o2 sensor and it has helped some. I still have bad knock below 2300 rpm and worse in 2nd, 4th and 5th.
I did talk to a Mitsu tech in Hickory that has worked on DSM's from the get go. He did some digging and found that the ecu looks and timing and o2 before it 'gives a knock signal'. If this is true, can the ecu generate a knock signal? Is this how the ecu pulls timing? If both are true then this would be a source of phantom knock. Everytime I change something the knock is gone for 5 - 15 minutes of driving and then returns. It is like the ecu 'learns' the new part and then adjusts itself and starts pulling all timing due to knock.
Please provide any feedback....

 

[jdk906s]

The most common cause of phantom knock is lifter tick. There is a 3rd revision set of lifters out there for about 7.75 each from a engine supply shop. Give them a call at 1888 855 9712. I swapped them in my 90 and it fixed 99% of my phantom knock. The other knock is when I hit bumps in the road so I'd say that it's my motor mounts or exhaust clanking around.

 

[16GTSI]

when i tore my 93 engine apart i had 2 or 3 bad lifters and with how much they moved i would imagine they created a lot of knock. Unfortunately i also think this might be your problem. As far as the ecu creating a phantom knock i have never heard of that before.