Questions and Answers

Plymouth Acclaim Pinging Badly Q. Sir, the engine makes sound to me like the old bad gas (pinging). It does run. No indicator lights have come on. Someone suggested valve lifters!!! I hear the timing belt might be part of the problem, But I really have no clue. 1989 Plymouth Acclaim 3.0 liter V-6 Automatic Mileage, do not know Fuel Injection ABS brakes P/S, A/C, Cruise Control R & P steering

I believe it would make a trip to Atlanta from Birmingham today easy. The pinging is on the acceleration and stops when reaching cruising speed. I had to drive this way for two weeks, before I got another car. Work in Atlanta during week, Birmingham is home. The car is nice. I really would like to fix the engine.

Thanks,
Lawrence

A. Without actually hearing the sound myself, and going by your description, I would say what you are hearing is engine ping. If it were valve lifters you would hear them constantly, more loudly cold.

The first thing to do is to check and adjust the ignition timing. Here's how:

1. START engine and let it run until the cooling fan has cycled on and off at least once.
2. Turn the engine OFF and disconnect the temperature sensor connector, (temperature sensor is located near the thermostat housing).
3. Connect a suitable timing light to the number one cylinder, (refer to manufacturer's instructions for correct procedures).
4. START the engine, the radiator fan and check engine light should come on. Point the timing light at the timing marks on front crank shaft pulley.
5. If the timing is within specifications; 12°±2°BTDC, no adjustment is necessary. If the timing is outside of specifications loosen the distributor hold down bolt enough to enable the distributor to be turned. Turn the distributor until the timing mark is within specifications and tighten the hold down bolt.
6. Turn the engine OFF, connect the coolant sensor and disconnect the timing light. Erase any fault codes set by the timing procedure.

If the timing is so far off that it can not be adjusted, then you probably have a timing belt that has slipped. If that is the case, replace it as soon as possible.

If the timing is good and set properly then you probably have a bad knock sensor or PCM. You can try accessing the DTCs and see what you come up with.