When my 2.2L engine is at operating temp I get a knock during accelleration, This does not occur with a cold engine. It sounds like the timing is off, but when I check it, the timing is where it needs to be. This is sounding like the distributor advance is not working (if it even has one) or a possible vacuum leak. Any suggestions of where to look. I have not been able to find any diagrams showing the vacuum system of a 1989 dodge aries.
The car is in great shape and I want to keep it (mostly because I am cheap). But it still runs great.
First, make sure you're using the correct procedure to check the timing. You need to warm the engine up to operating temperature, disconnect the coolant temperature sensor adjacent to the point where the upper radiator hose attaches to the cylinder head, and *then* use your timing light.
That said, the symptomology you describe points toward a malfunctioning EGR system if your '89 is so equipped, which most of them are. Defective or plugged-up valve, rusted or plugged-up crossover tube, or a faulty transducer or solenoid. These are the first things to check. An easy way to test the valve and tube is to apply vacuum to the EGR valve with the engine idling. If the idle speed drops significantly or the engine stalls, the valve and crossover tube are probably OK, and you need to look at the EGR solenoid (and wiring thereto) and the vacuum hoses in the EGR system.
If your '89 is *not* equipped with EGR, which some of them are not, and the ignition timing is OK, then the most likely cause is carbon buildup in the combustion chambers. The 2.2 TBI engine does tend to accumulate it, particularly on certain fuels. A good cleanthrough with BG 44K or Chevron Techron combustion chamber cleaner may remove enough of the carbon to kill the pinging. Also check your spark plugs to make sure they are of the correct type -- if they are of an excessively hot heat range, they will cause pinging.
If all of this checks out, then check your exhaust system for restriction
-- that was the cause of pinging on "acceleration" in my '92 LeBaron TBI, though it only showed up under full-throttle/high-rpm acceleration attempts. One of the baffles in the muffler had collapsed, seriously restricting exhaust flow.
All advance is handled by the engine control computer.
You really need to have the factory manual if you intend to keep a warhorse running on the cheap. Go find the *factory* manual -- not a Chilton or Haynes or any other aftermarket piece of junk. They go by regularly on Ebay; put in this search string:
Snip, your computer will flag up a rich condition on O2 sensor if your vacuum stuff is good and no air leaks, cooling up to snuff, good gas. Read the codes with key trick.
Even my 'van 1987 2.2L carb without carb & O2 feedback did have computer. But is primitive computer (not two modules) solely for spark control; advance mostly because of vacuum can on the 'puter box. Computer also does bit of emissions stuff and does have three terminal coolant sensor (had to dig for that one at canadian tire, got correct part for 1985 !!) for computer and gauge, and sets different advance schedules according to coolant temps. That is using correct thermostat (no burp hole drilled into thermstato please) and purging of air pockets, good cooling system are vital.
Agreed! This is how I got mine for 'van also.
Yes, already paid off on one look at my 'van and read through all service manuals I got off ebay and getting stuff to fix it up.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.