Hi All:

Some wierd problem I have been experincing for two weeks now.

Only when I turn on the A/C I get this knocking and pinging sound from the engine compartment. Once I turn on the A/C it will do it. The A/C doesn't have to be on. Just turned on once during a drive. Up hill, down hill flat ground it just does it.

I can drive it no problem if I don't turn on the A/C. Once I turn it on, it knocks and pings. I stop on the side of the road, shut off the engine and startup with out the A/C, back to normal. Turn on the A/C, problem starts again. Pull on the side, shut down, startup again, no problem.

Has anyone heard of this problem? Is there a knock sensor on this model? It has a 2.6 inline 6.

Timing is still at factory specs, I have retarded the timing only to have very poor performance and still the same problem. I have since changed it back. I have also tried using different gas hoping I got bad gas. I have also tried octane booster by Synergyn. No luck so far.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Aloha,
Eric

Are you sure the sound you hear is from the engine, and not a bad A/C compressor clutch?

Use only premium fuel, be sure that the auxillary fans are working...

Check the vacuum line that goes from the EZL to the intake manifold. IF it has a crack in it or leaks any vacuum, the timing will be off.

Thanks for the info! Greatly appreciated.

I will be checking into it later this evening.

I will post a followup.

Aloha,
Eric

Hey Benzmac:

Sorry for a stupid question but what is a EZL? Where is it located?

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Aloha,
Eric

Sorry, I'm not Benzmac (NOT EVEN CLOSE!)

The EZL is your car's electronic brain. On most models, the unit is located on top of the driver's side fender well. It has a black cover on it and is about the size of a Pop Tart.

Okay, Benzmac is probably laughing when he reads this!

Thanks G-Benz:

I did find that and that was the only thing that had the letters EZ on it and there was a vacuum line to it. I sat there, thought about it and thought better about it and did the right thing. I asked for help.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Aloha,
Eric

Help!
 

Hi All:

Okay, now I am really at a lost here!

I checked all vacuum lines with the hose to ear test. Had a mechanic do the check with me. No vacuum leaks.

Timing is right at 9 degrees BTDC. I have used premium gas from 76, Chevron, Shell and Arco. I have even gone as far as to use Octane booster.

Could the noise be coming from the tranny? My mechanic thinks it may be coming from there. I had it serviced a month ago and it was filled with synthetic fluid from Amsoil. Tonight we changed the rear shocks, 3000 mile oil change, oil filter, cap and rotor, motor mounts and tranny mount that was broken.

While changing the tranny mount, I noticed there was a bushing between the tranny and the drive shaft that was split. Could this be the culprit?

Please advise. Any information on this matter will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Aloha,
Eric

i believe that is your flex disc. whether is
causes the sound you described or not, you need to change
it or your drive shaft will fall apart. then you
will be hearing more dollars in your ears. good luck.

Hi Joel:

Thanks for the info on the part I need to order. I will go and get one today.

Aloha,
Eric