car troubles

“Car woes,
Perhaps you folks can offer some suggestions... I was given a car, an '85 Toyota Tercel which is in great shape. It does have one issue which I'm not comfortable with and thought someone may be able to diagnose the problem. Under a "load" like accelerating up hill, it makes a clacking sound, like a "ping" due to low octane. The plugs had been replaced last year and had been regularly serviced. Could it be timing, gaps (plugs or points) octane needs (due to age) valves (please don't go there, if possible) My initial thought was timing, but lost my light (lent it out, never got it back) over twenty years ago. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I doubt the car has the ooomph to get up the mtn to Ricketts Glen. This is the vehicle I've needed to get out of the city, so its kind of applicable to this board!”

“it's prolly your thingamajig!
;-)

you should call the Car Guys...i love that show.”

“it sounds like valve clatter to me. especially since it happens under a load. timing would most likely show up at idle also. new valve springs and seats are in order if that is the case.”

“Call Click and Clack on NPR. They know everything!”

“that's what i meant...Car Talk. whatever!

once i was listening, and they told me why my brakes squeal when i'm not pushing on them! not that i've gotten it fixed yet, but at least i know why. LOL!”

“I agree with baume, but lyra's and smiley girl's responses also came to mind. You might check their web site they have lots of info and also a bulletin board.

Lots of luck!”

“pinging under load is somewhat normal for the 85 era cars... so long as there arent any other symptoms I wouldnt worry about it.”

“A Tercel huh? Just what deficiency are you compensating for with that thing?”

“I'm compensating for my good looks. You know, no young foxy babe has approached me since I've started driving that car!”

“do you perhaps have vanity plates that say "Limpy"? just a thought...”

“Uhhh, Boss? I'm gonna be a little late this morning. Yes, there is a reason, but you're not gonna believe it ...”

“OK, let's review this again. Accelerator on the RIGHT, brake on the LEFT! Got it? Good!”

“Sorry, but I have to take my boat out now.”

“i guess that Valet got fired!”

“Sorry, Boss. We were looking at this guy and didn't realize we got so close to that dock...

car”