possible vacuum leak, need help

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Gerry, Dec 16, 2003.

  1. Gerry

    Gerry Guest

    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.

    Any help is appreciated.

    Gerry
     
    Gerry, Dec 16, 2003
    #1
  2. Well, a few things here.

    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:

    (1989,89) (Dodge,Chrysler,Plymouth) (shop,service,workshop,repair) manual*

    Even if you strike out on Ebay and wind up buying the manual new at the
    dealer, it will pay for itself the first time you use it.

    DS
     
    Daniel J. Stern, Dec 16, 2003
    #2
  3. Gerry

    Geoff Guest

    Is it a predetonation 'ping'? Check the function of the EGR with a vacuum
    pump.

    --Geoff
     
    Geoff, Dec 18, 2003
    #3
  4. Gerry

    mark french Guest

    are you getting any stored trouble codes via the on/off/on/off/on ignition key
    sequence?
     
    mark french, Dec 19, 2003
    #4
  5. Gerry

    Jason D. Guest

    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.
    Cheers & Merry Christmas,

    Wizard
     
    Jason D., Dec 21, 2003
    #5
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.