Pinging/knocking under load

[yellowdatsun]

I recently purchased an 88' Civic DX hatchback. It runs excelent, other than the fact that it pings/knocks under load. Such as when getting onto the freeway or going up hills. I have tried using "premium" gas and have even replaced the plugs, wires, cap and rotor. Retarding the timing all the way does help, but it is still there a bit. Obviously not good to run under full retard all the time, so there has to be a better solution. I appreciate any help. Thanks.
Ryan

[MyFirst4G]

you can buy this additive at pep boys or wherever and that helps a lot, on my 88 DX, i had the same problem.....

[sastanley]

Premium gas has fixed that problem for me. The first thing I would recommend is to adjust the valves. That might help the pinging noises.

You need a feeler gauge and a screwdriver and a 12mm box-end wrench.
The Intake clearance is 0.007-0.009 inches.
The Exhaust clearance is 0.009-0.011 inches.
These are specs for an EDM SOHC 88 Civic, since that is the only manual I have electronically. The numbers for the DOHC are tighter than this (0.006 for intake and 0.007 for exhaust)
Just in case you didn't know (since you are a new Civic owner), the firing order is 1-3-4-2, so you can set the valves closed for each cylinder when you adjust them

heh heh - i know all this shiznit cuz we just finished getting the head put back together on my ZC this weekend - ZC = 85% complete!!

[darolh]

Your only options are retarding the timing or higher octane gas.

Adjusting the valves won't do squat.

You might check you timing belt. If it's getting old it could be getting sloppy loose. When I changed my belt I tensioned it properly and it pinged a lot less.