Pinking - 3sfe Engine (98 Reg)

[Raver too]

Hi all

after doing a search of the forum, and discovering not much with the 3SFE engine, here is my post.

For several months I've gradually noticed what I thought was tappet noise from engine.

It only occurs under load. Anyone think this could be 'PINKING'?

Local Garage are booked solid and think it could be 'pinking' - a term I have come across before and didn't even consider!

I plan to sell real soon, and I had already posted here that I wanted to get timing belt changed.

For what money I make, and the fact that there is maybe another 10,000 until recommended timing belt change....

Should I change some parts? As I may be lumbered with the car (If it does not sell)

The HT leads could do with replacing (any suggestions) whether these would help I don't know!

The spark plugs would be done then too (I have changed these regularly in past)

The distributor cap probably could do with renewing too.

How about getting the ignition timing checked? My local Garage didn't say what they could do really other than perhaps alter the timing!

I don't want to sound like a cowboy, but the last thing I wanted to do is spend lots & get timing belt changed when It doesn't benefit me financially or otherwise... plus whatever used vehicle we buy we are prepared to maintain as we go along right?

[bothwell_buyer]

First of all try putting some Shell vpower or the BP equivalent - the higher octane should sort out the pinking long enough.

If that doesn't work, then its needing an engine tuning clinic as the quick fix I'd guess.

[Raver too]

First of all try putting some Shell vpower or the BP equivalent - the higher octane should sort out the pinking long enough.

If that doesn't work, then its needing an engine tuning clinic as the quick fix I'd guess.

Thanks Bothwell

I've been away for a few days, I have run car on plain 97Octane (Asda I think), but I have only just read your reply so I shall try some V-Power soon as the 97 Octane alone has had some improvement - I am used to running on 95 Octane standard unleaded.

Will keep all updated - as it may be of use to someone.

Rav-er too

[anchorman]

If that fails I'm fairly sure there is a knock sensor on the block which should !Removed! the timing in response to pinking (detonation/pre-ignition).

Let us know and if you want more info.

[bothwell_buyer]

If that fails I'm fairly sure there is a knock sensor on the block which should retard the timing in response to pinking (detonation/pre-ignition).

Let us know and if you want more info.

ye there is a knock sensor. I'd move away from the supermarket stuff which is good for trolleys and not much else. The 3SFE is a sprightly engine and you should get better performance from a higher octane. If no difference then I'd be taking it to a tuning shop.

[Raver too]

Thanks Guys

Car is booked into local garage next week. Nearly a month wait too!

Should they be familiar with the knock sensor? If not is it a simple concept to work with.

The garage tends not to be too technical yet were aware of what pinking is.

I mentioned that the HT/spark leads have probably gone past their due date (plugs are about due now) and we agreed that I would get them changed although I've been busy working away and I have only 4 days to get some. Should I make an effort and get some new leads and plugs before they tinker with the engine??

I'm maybe only getting to run on high octane maybe 10% of the time as motorway services and quite a few petrol stations I seem to find only have the low octane (95) on pump.....but it did seem to help a fair bit.

any suggestions are welcome

rav-er too

[anchorman]

A qualified mechanic should be fully aware of what a knock sensor is and if they don't maybe you should consider another garage. For your info just have a look at this;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyetk9pbW9M...feature=related

..........and the attachment (the Americans refer to pinking as "pinging")

pink.pdf

[bothwell_buyer]

From memory, I think the sensor is down the back of the engine and can be a bit difficult to get to. Could be that the wiring to this has become faulty so affecting the timing. I've not had that problem with my RAVs when they were using the 3SFE.

Now running the 3SGTE, I have the boost turned up a bit and the ignition advanced so I have to run v-power.

If the higher octane doesn't help, then it is likley to be related to the sensor. Changing the plugs and leads is a good idea anyway tho.

As I said, using a good engine tuner, and one used to Jap engines can be way better than a generalist garage. The Garage I use specialises in things like the Nissan Skyline and MR2s, Celicas and evos etc and have all the tuning equipment to tell whats wrong very quickly. Took me a wee while to find them, but what a find!!