Pinging Engine
 

My engine (1985 190e 2.3L 8V) pings under any load (taking off from a stop sign even). I know that it can be related to timing or crappy gas. I have filled the car with Hi-test and addded 2 cans of techron (to clean things out). I have also checked the timing and it is correct (vacuum advance apears to be functioning fine). Any suggestions? Do I add octane booster?

Have you had the timing checked by a tech (or do you have the right equipment?) i.e. used a strobe at 3000rpm?

The timing can be adjusted by twisting the distributor - readjust it if necessary and make sure it is done up tight. Alternatively if you are cheap and don't want the car set up properly turn it yourself and do no measurements, .. I believe you want anti-clockwise (get confirmation) - just a few degrees should be enough, but turn it more if it's not.

Does it ping when the engine is cold?

later!

I live about 500 feet from a stop sign. I started the car and a few minutes (3 or 4) later found myself pulling away from that stop sign pinging like crazy! So I guess it pings when it is cold. I do have the proper equipment to tune it, I think. I have an adjustable strobe timing light (I can adjust the amount of advance or retard via knob). I hope it is good enough, it was about $100.
I also have a dwell/tach meter so I know where the RPM's are while I am under the hood. I have cleaned the timing pully and the pointer so they are easily visible.
I will certainly check it once again and make adjustments.

What about mixture? Will it ping of it is too lean? Will an out of adjustment valve make it ping? I do have a valve tapping on the intake of cylinder 1.

Not sure about valve adjustments, but it will ping if it's too lean. Make sure your amount of advance/retard matches the specified amount for your car.. not sure what that is though.

I'm not familiar with this particular car, but doesn't it have the K Jetronic as others of that era? If it does, part of that system is a knock sensor that prevents this from happening. If it is a K jetronic, there are two modules, a fuel injection control module, and an igniton control module. The knock sensor connects to the ignition control module and one of these units or the associated wiring is at fault.

Hope this is found to be helpful,

time for tune up
 

Previous post is more knowledgeable than I, would check those sensors.

On my Nissan, pinging is sign of time for tune up. Rotor, cap, plugs, and wires, along with adjusting timing with my timing light and distributor twist does the trick. I go through this ritual every 60,000 miles or so like clock work.

Hope this helps,
Joel

There's only a knock sensor on the 16v - I think the 8v's are KE-Jetronic... not definite, but even so I'm quite sure there's no knock sensor on the 2.0 and 2.3 8 valve engine.

later!

Yes, my 2.3 is a KE unit. I was unable to make any adjustments yesterday as I was tied up in NYC all day (oh joy). Will try to check everything tonight and post findings. By the way, the car has a new cap, rotor, plugs (Bosch Platinums... I know, I know.. I need copper). Timing was dead on.