Current Classifieds

Misc pinto parts 71-73 2.0
Date: 05/05/2020 11:56 pm
1980 Pinto w/ Trunk
Date: 08/10/2022 04:09 pm
Wagon hatch letters
Date: 12/31/2023 04:24 pm
2.0 performance parts, 2 intakes, header, ported head, more
Date: 10/25/2019 04:05 pm
Front Body parts needed
Date: 02/09/2018 06:09 pm
1979 Runabout Rear Panel
Date: 01/04/2020 02:03 pm
Squire trim
Date: 03/28/2018 10:11 am
Misc. Pinto parts

Date: 11/09/2019 04:25 pm
Bumpers
Date: 07/06/2018 04:47 pm
Esslinger 2.0 intake
Date: 03/06/2017 11:58 am
74 & Up Parts
Date: 01/20/2021 03:22 pm
2.0 Mickey Thompson SUPER RARE Rocker cover and belt guard
Date: 08/22/2017 09:21 pm

Author Topic: spark knock or predetonation?  (Read 1511 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline ToniJ1960

  • Pinto Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 544
  • FeedBack: +13/-0
  • Gender: Female
  • Another Pinto Driver

  • Total Badges: 5
    Badges: (View All)
    Tenth year Anniversary Topic Starter Poll Voter Fifth year Anniversary Windows User
spark knock or predetonation?
« on: September 16, 2011, 11:18:16 PM »
 My pinto,2.3 liter 4 cyl, has started to make that rattle sound I guess its spark knock or predetonation. At night it doesnt do it,I think because the air is cooler.

 It never did it before,but I did recently redo the carb top half,so it could be running lean or leaner.Thats the only recent change I could connect it to.

 Is it likely to be that,or the cold air intake not being on it and it getting under hood air all the time?

Or would it be more likely the spark plugs are too hot? Cooling system problems?

Offline Starliner

  • Pinto Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 409
  • FeedBack: +16/-0
  • Gender: Male

  • Total Badges: 5
    Badges: (View All)
    Topic Starter Signature Tenth year Anniversary Poll Voter Fifth year Anniversary
Re: spark knock or predetonation?
« Reply #1 on: September 17, 2011, 11:37:59 AM »
Does it run good in the evening when there is no spark knock?
If so, the fuel mixture is probably not that far off.
 
It could be the EGR valve not operating.  The EGR valve reduces spark knock under load while reducing emmissions. (The EGR introduces exhaust into the intake under load and cruise)  However, not having the EGR operating can yield more power and gas mileage. 
 
Instead of fixing the EGR I would try the following:
What fuel grade and brand are you using?
If you are running 87 I would recommend running 89. If you are using 89, use 92.  You get the idea.  Jump up one grade of fuel.
This should cure the spark knocking and give you better mileage.
That extra cost of the fuel is offset by the better mileage and power.
So it really does not cost you more in gas.
 
I bet this takes care of the problem and it will have more torque.
 
 
1973 Pinto 1600 - Sold!  
1979 Pinto 2300 - Sold!
1984 Audi 5000 Avant - 60,000 original miles
1987 Audi 5000 S Quattro - The snowmobile
1973 Volvo 1800 ES wagon -  my project car
1976 Mustang II - Wifey's new toy

Offline ToniJ1960

  • Pinto Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 544
  • FeedBack: +13/-0
  • Gender: Female
  • Another Pinto Driver

  • Total Badges: 5
    Badges: (View All)
    Tenth year Anniversary Topic Starter Poll Voter Fifth year Anniversary Windows User
Re: spark knock or predetonation?
« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2011, 10:16:33 PM »
 Richened up the mixture a little two days ago,still does it.So I bought 92 octane and theres now just a hint that it wants to do it.I really dont think I should need 92 it was always fine with 89. But I suppose for now,until I think of other things to try,ill just get the 92.