I bought this car 2nd hand about 2 years ago. The engine is quiet and smooth at idle but would make a strange noise during hard acceleration or when going up a hill. I noticed the noise only occurs when the engine is at operating temperature, not when it’s cold. I suspect I have a detonation problem as the noise sounds like “marbles rolling inside the engine”.
The first thing I did was to check the ignition timing. According to Haynes the ignition timing should be 10 degree BTDC, with the terminal E1 and TE1 connected. I found that the ignition timing was 10 degree BTDC WITHOUT the terminals E1 and TE1 connected. I adjusted the timing accordingly but the problem didn’t go away.
Next I tried to use premium fuel. The engine sounds quieter but it still “pings” sometimes, especially on hot days above 85 degreeF. The fuel consumption is pretty good at 25mpg average and there is no noticeable different between regular and premium fuels.
The other strange thing I noticed is the ignition timing is about 5 degrees BTDC at idle with terminal E1 and TE1 disconnected. According to Haynes, the ignition timing should advance to 12-22 degrees BTDC.
I am at a lost of what the real problem is. Do you think I have a detonation problem? If yes, what can I do to fix it? If no, what could be the problems?
The first thing I did was to check the ignition timing. According to Haynes the ignition timing should be 10 degree BTDC, with the terminal E1 and TE1 connected. I found that the ignition timing was 10 degree BTDC WITHOUT the terminals E1 and TE1 connected. I adjusted the timing accordingly but the problem didn’t go away.
Next I tried to use premium fuel. The engine sounds quieter but it still “pings” sometimes, especially on hot days above 85 degreeF. The fuel consumption is pretty good at 25mpg average and there is no noticeable different between regular and premium fuels.
The other strange thing I noticed is the ignition timing is about 5 degrees BTDC at idle with terminal E1 and TE1 disconnected. According to Haynes, the ignition timing should advance to 12-22 degrees BTDC.
I am at a lost of what the real problem is. Do you think I have a detonation problem? If yes, what can I do to fix it? If no, what could be the problems?
Mar 27, 2008 at 7:20 AM