1994 Plymouth Voyager Cannot stop knocking

1994 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
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BRUCE941
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Engine Performance problem
1994 Plymouth Voyager 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

1994 Plymouth Voyager - 3.0L - 6 cylinder

Has very nasty knocking on acceleration, sometimes even light acceleration - using Top Tier fuels. Just changed out the O2 sensor a few weeks ago - that helped some but not completly. If I add fuel system cleaner it helps, but again, only for a little while. My mechanic wants to retart base timing. I want to get at the knock sensor and check it, but is there one on this vehicle - I keep getting conflicting information? Also, checked a spark plug - tips show proper color (light tan). Same mechanic has maintained van since I bought it used December 2006. Could it be an EGR system and if so, what do I check?
May 17, 2009 at 11:42 AM
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JALOPYPAPA
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The 3.0 doesn't have a knock sensor, and the timing isn't adjustable. When you checked the plugs' color, did you also check the gap and type for proper heat range?
May 18, 2009 at 9:42 PM
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BRUCE941
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Checked the color - couldn't be better.

The gap is non-adjustable - platinum plugs.

However, before anyone swears it's the plugs, they've been in for about three years (<15,000 miles) and the knocking has only started awhile back. Also changed the rotor/cap/plug wires at the same time.

I'm going to try and get a look at the EGR system
May 18, 2009 at 10:00 PM
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JALOPYPAPA
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Sorry, I didn't think this year engine had a distributor. So the timing is adjustable. I'd go ahead and have the mechanic set it.
May 19, 2009 at 11:50 AM
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BRUCE941
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You mean just retard the base timing?

I always thought that was something you didn't want to do - made a vehicle run hotter, poorer and with poorer mileage.

I neglected to add in the original post that I oftentimes smell gas too.
May 19, 2009 at 3:47 PM