Engine issues: pinking?

[A.D.D.]

Well, I've got a '87 levin, standard 4age engine (assuming TVIS is standard). Had the car for a couple of months now, and since three days ago the engine has sort-of been cutting out on me, especially under acceleration. Very much like what I guess pinking is like. i.e. accelerate> car shudders> hear change in exhaust pressure.
It does not happen every time I accelerate, or when I'm accelerating at all. Sounds a bit like a rotary at idle (for a second or two) every now and then, too.

The problem (probably coincidently) co-insided with a petrol fill up of 95.
I have run the car on 98 (I hope now that the engine can handle 98. Someone please tell me it was perfectly safe to do so!).
At first I just thought that I may have clogs in the fuel feed starving the engine, so gave the car bit of a decent thrash to flush the problem out. No luck there.
It was obvious that the car would not always accelerate as well and the engine tone again was not consistent.

So could this just be bad fuel, or something my poor self needs to see a mechanic about?

Thanks for any help after reading this noob explaination.

PS surely it cant be pinking on 95 can it?

[Bling]

to answer one of your questions, it will run fine on 98.

it could be a problem with spark plugs or leads maybe if its sounding like a rotary at idle sometimes. or could be timing. But check ya plugs and leads are sweet first

[slighty_sykotic]

At first I just thought that I may have clogs in the fuel feed starving the engine, so gave the car bit of a decent thrash to flush the problem out. No luck there.

That aint gona help...

Buy a new fuel filter and put that on first. Then do plugs. then dizzy cap and rotor. then borrow some leads to try (or buy).

Check timing.

Start there, then come back.

--Sykotic

[slighty_sykotic]

And of course do a engine diagnosis check. Do a search on how to do that. Its in the FAQ aswell.

--Sykotic

[A.D.D.]

Cheers for the tips guys. I'm pretty sure that I've solved the problem now. The diagnosis check will be a good reference for sure.

Had a look at the spark plug leads while the engine was idling, and saw that at the thingy where all the leads hook up to, there was arching every now and then to to a piece of exposed metal.
So I put some duct tape and plastic in the way. But it was still arching from inside the rubber seal, around the duct tape, and through the plastic to continue arching onto the metal! Although, it did take a 10 min drive for this arching to reoccur. So, yes the car was running perfectly fine for 10 mins.

Decided to remove the tape and plastic, and swapped a couple of the plug leads around. 20 odd mins of driving later, and the car's still happy.

So, I think it's sorted. Although it seemed pretty serious when the electricity was that keen to work it's way to the exposed metal.

[slighty_sykotic]

I would replace the leads for sure then. Thats just asking for trouble dude.

Good you fixed it though.

--Sykotic

[A.D.D.]

Yup will definitely do. Think I'll hit up Mr Revhead for some new ones, plus replace some shot tems shocks. Email coming your way soon if your reading this Mr R