Gm used a short piston skirt on this year. The knock is piston slap that normally goes away when engine warms up. Sounds bad, but should not cause any problems.
You will get error code P0016. And you will hear engine knock.
Ford makes no 4.3. Please revise. Is this a Ford 4.0 or a Chevy 4.3?
And engine knock is normally caused but I worn crankshaft bearing or rod bearing.
The knock sensor, in your 1997 Chevrolet Lumina, can be found on the front of the engine. The knock sensor is near the top of the engine.
Need to know what engine it has.
if its a loud knock from the bottom end, DO NOT run the engine, it is likely a spun bearing; have a professional look at it
Severe spark knock (pinging) can damage the engine. Knock sensors detect spark knock (pinging) in the engine. They send that info to the ECM (Engine Control Module). The ECM makes temporary adjustments in engine timing to eliminate the spark knock.
The 1997 Chevy 1500 pickup truck 5.7 liter engine knock sensor can be found on the front of the engine. You will need to remove the front engine cover in order to access the sensor.
It is over by the starter, and screewed into the engine block.
bad bain bering
light slapping knock is a piston knock a loud heavy repetitive knock is a connecting rod Very Bad
That engine has 2 of them and you MUST remove the intake manifold to service the knock sensors.