Pinging Under Load. (not timing)

Jan 29th, 2003, 04:26 PM

I've got a GA16DE 1993 Sentra XE 4dr which is pinging under load now. I've dialed in the timing as prescribed by the forums but the pinging persists. At idle the car is smooth as glass but as rpms and engine load increase the pinging begins. It sounds like if you lightly tapped on the exhaust plumbing with a screwdriver. The frequency is similar to blowing in a soda with a straw but obviously more metallic. The odd part is the problem becomes progressively worse as the car warms. Could it be fuel igniting in the catalytic converter? I often use 93 octane but the problem continues. Cam chain guides worn? Cam chain tensioners bad? I've also got a fuel injector that shows resistence out of spec, is it running lean and pinging in that cylinder? There's a long list of things wrong with my 120,000mile Nissan but this seems the most urgent. Hints much appreciated.

idon · Jan 30th, 2003, 01:37 AM

If fuel don't fix it. It might be the cat or you're not getting enough air. Thats my best guess.

Jan 30th, 2003, 11:16 AM

sounds like detonation but I have no idea what would be causing it in your case.

niss_det · Feb 1st, 2003, 05:11 AM

try to retard the timing a few

Gump · Feb 26th, 2003, 01:10 PM

Have you changed your timing belt anytime lately? one tooth would make it ping and run well at idle. Been there done that with a honda.