Originally Posted By: j_mac
Had the car out today for a long cruise on a hot day. It was pinging again with very light throttle. Pushed the gas down a little more and the ping stops. I'm wondering if, when I push the gas down a little more, then the engine mapping is different enough to stop the ping -or- does the ping get severe enough that the computer instantly jerks out the timing because the knock sensor picks up more serious ping?
I wonder if it is just the nature of the design that, in the name of maximum fuel economy, the engine is tuned to be right at the ragged edge of ping in order to squeeze the most out of every drop of fuel?
Or is it an unnatural buildup of carbon? I mean the thing didn't do it last summer in the heat when the car was new.
Or, god forbid, is it something related to the Direct Injection (new for 2012 on this car) that is causing the ping?
The notion that the car may "need" plus or premium fuel does not jive with me. Its supposed to run fine on 87. Granted, I bet it will quit pinging on 93, but that isn't the ideal solution, considering the whole reason I decided on this pip squeak is because I can't afford gasoline at today's prices.
I planned on keeping this car for 200-300k miles. At this rate I would say the engine will beat itself to death right after the famous Hyundai 100K warranty runs out!
I planned on the car with the lowest price/best fuel economy that I could take care of (regular oil changes and Top Tier gas only) but it seems I'm gonna be in for some surprizes.
I'm beginning to think "Top Tier" is a whole bunch of [censored]! Or do you guys think its all Direct Injection related?
Greetings,
Admittedly I haven't read the rest of the thread.
Here's my
Discounted to "free"
So for what is worth. I built and melted a few engines in my youth, won a few sanctioned races as well. (HeHe).
Light pinging at part (1/4 or less) throttle is almost always harmless, and indicates tuning to the "ragged edge" of maximum economy.
Light pinging at mid throttle should raise an eyebrow of concern.
Heavy rattling at full throttle for more than a second or two can and likely will produce damage.
I have picked up the pieces for the experience that was earned concerning detonation.
In my day 11 to one compression called for racing gas. No exceptions.
Nowadays computer monitoring and control with the aid of knock sensors allows engines to survive on 87 with what used to be ridiculous compression ratios.
My gut says there is nothing wrong with the engine. If you want the part throttle knock to disappear with the added benefit of increased performance and gas mileage try some 93.
Good luck.
Rickey.
