Pinging or Knocking engine sounds during acceleration or uphill

pepe_moro · Jun 9th, 2008, 09:05 PM

Hi. My GA16DE 92 makes this Knocking noise once it reaches normal working temperature. I've check the timing and it is ok 10º. I'm using 90 octanes fuel and even when i use 95 octanes fuel, it starts to knock after running for 30 min. When the engine is cold o has not reach the normal operation temperature, it doesn't make any knocking noise. Any idea what the problem could be please?

kizer24 · Jun 10th, 2008, 12:53 AM

Well im new to these engines and cars, but I would say the ECU would prob go into limp mode for any of the major sensors went out. So I would say check the fuel filter, fuel pump, and fuel pressure regulator. If you are running lean those would be a place to start. You should look at the O2 sensor at the same time. I'm not sure how to test them but I believe there is a way. Oh and please anyone else with ideas please help out or add anything I missed.

IanH · Jun 10th, 2008, 08:32 AM

this could be a mechanical problem, maybe a rod bearing. Listen with a long screw driver and open the throttle in short burst. if the knocking is in area of one cylinder and doesn't do this cold only hot when Oil is thin then this is a possibility.
Try adding an octane booster, this would rule out a the normal engine pre-ignition.
Sorry this is all I can think of to add to the above suggestions. Good Luck......

joeli16 · Jun 11th, 2008, 12:43 AM

I have this problem since day one I owned my sentra.Last for 4 years and put almost 100k miles.Kind of annoying but works ok.All kinds of tune up does not solve the problem.
But now it is getting worse...Time to get another engine...

**rogoman** · Jun 11th, 2008, 07:16 AM

Several possibilities:
- Make sure the oil level is at the full mark.
- If the noise has a metallic sound to it, then it could be a worn rod/main bearing.
- The oil pressure may be abnormally low. Check it by using a temporary pressure gauge.

IanH · Jun 11th, 2008, 08:29 AM

Good suggestions.
Well 100K miles, I don't think its a rod bearing!!
Are you hearing the valve lash clatter ?
GA's don't have hydraulic lifters, shim adjustment.
I would check the valve clearances next.
It should be easy to rule out detonation with octane booster.

joeli16 · Jun 13th, 2008, 12:41 AM

It happens usually if I push the engine harder or it's uphill.Does not have any pinging when it's idling.
Yes actually first I thought it was spark knock,so maybe the timing was retarded.Set the timing right but still got this noise.I always run with full engine oil.
I start to suspect either timing chain guides/tensioners go bad or worn bearings.But anyone of this things will just make me change the engine.This engine is like 230k miles and just not worth putting more money in it unless I have the money to rebuild the whole thing.I have done all kinds of tune up but the noise is still there.Worn engine is the only possibilty I can think of.
The pinging gets worse when it's hot,especially in summer.

**rogoman** · Jun 13th, 2008, 08:31 AM

Probably carbon buildup in the combustion chambers is causing pre-ignition.

No-Pain · Jun 14th, 2008, 12:50 AM

Complete fuel system cleaner might help because it's supposed to clean fuel system and also vents and combustion chamber. In finland we have for repair shops professional use liquid called forte fuel system cleaner. It's quite like the best available on the market. Try that and hopefully it removes some carbon buildups. Assumpting that knocking is because pre-detonation.

- No-Pain -