Well, after a few months of kids moving to college and high school sports and that thing that really distracts, work. I finally figured the dang thing out. I check and changed most of the ignition system, disassembled and cleaned the carb, addressed a small oil leak, adjusted the valves and GOD knows what else. I finally pulled the gas tank to replace a bad fuel sender. When I did this and cleaned the tank inside and out and filled with fresh gas, my knock went away. IT WAS CRAPPY GAS this whole time.
All I have to say is don't overlook the obvious.
I moved to AZ 7 years ago and had the car laid up for a short time with some other modifications. After that I added new fuel but never removed the old stuff (there was very little in the tank so I figured it wouldn't be an issue). The knock I had continued to get worse over time and with all my distractions I had little time to fix or drive the car. Needless to say she will get a few miles this fall and winter.
BTW - Does anyone know where I can get rid of the bad gas? I've got more than 5 gallons of the stuff and refuse to put it in a DD for fear of contaminating all that fuel!
