94 Metro Terrible Acceleration - FIXED

[small11]

It's FIXED!!!!! Thanks to Crvett69, RossT, pspringe and, of course DOCTORBILL for your friendly advice. For weeks, I have struggle with this, read a million threads, and lost sleep over how I can fix this little booger. Today I advanced the timing to approximately 10 BTDC and...presto-gizmo...it runs like it should! I went directly to the gas station to fill 'er up so I can see what kind of improvement I will get on the mpg. I've only gotten about 24 mpg the last two tankfuls and getting to 55 mph was a struggle. I experienced the 'sweet spot' at certain rpms (as many of you have). I bought this car for my 16 year old daughter, but I may be the one driving it. It's actually fun to drive!!!!! Thanks again.

[RossT]

It feels good to do something yourself!! Good job.

[GeoRandy]

small11,
I feel like I'm in an adult go-cart. Glad you are getting the good acceleration.
Probably much better mileage too. My daughter won't get mine.

[DOCTORBILL]

I would like to ask someone (Crvett69 ?) about timing.

Does setting the Timing too far ahead do bad things to the Valves...?

DoctorBill

[Crvett69]

more likely you will get pinging or detonation in the combustion chamber and that can damage pistons

[small11]

I have experienced no pinging or pre-detonation and am very aware of that issue. As a matter of fact I backed it off a couple of degrees (from 12 btdc) just to be safe. I never took off the timing cover to check the relationship between the crank and the cam. Could the fact that it runs better because I advanced the timing (to correct the poor acceleration issue) just be compensating for the timing belt being off a tooth? Like always, I truly appreciate your input.