Pinking

[marcob]

Now I know there has been in past threads but I don't think they answer my queries so here goes...

On hard acceleration, I get a rapid metallic hammer noise coming from the front of the engine, almost as if alluminium paper is stuck on the radiator.
This gives me the impression that it is pinking. However:
1.Is this possible seeing that car has always had 98 octane fuel put in?
2.Is it serious enough to warrant fixing asap.
3.I am based abroad so if the answer to the above qu is yes, can this be done easily by a non tvr specialists?
4.If the answer to the above qu is yes can anyone specify what the ignition timing needs to be set at
and anything else that the mechanics need to be aware of?

A reply would be appreciated as I feel lonely and vulnerable being thousands of miles away from the home of TVR!

Thanks

[ntel]

It may be that one of the exhaust manifold gaskets is blowing. This can often sound like "pinking". Take a look around the manifold flanges that bolt on to the cylinder heads. If there are any black deposits then that may be the problem.

[paulsmith]

i had that exact problem i believe ntel is 100% correct!

[gemini]

I had that problem back in 98 and it was a fine spilt in the head gasket between two cyclinders

Bloody expensive to find - went through all the timing, spark plugs, ht leads, etc

[CMJ]

I also had the same problem. Changed fuel brand then back again and problem went. Will still pink if dodgy tank of fuel purchased.

[2 sheds]

Most likely to be Exhaust manifold gasket, this will make a ticking sound under load in any gear at any rpm, whereas pinking will probably occur at specific rev band.
Tim

[marcob]

Thanks all.
After reading all the threads I was convinced it was pinking but it seems it may not be the case although I must admit the noise only appears under hard acceleration. This along with possibility that past owners did not fill up with decent fuel (even though they told me they did) may place the ball in the pinking court??

Are we talking big bucks to fix pinking?

[2 sheds]

marcob said:

Are we talking big bucks to fix pinking?

Probably be just a case of retarding the ignition a couple of degrees.