Miata Mailing List: October 1992, Message #32
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   From: (none)
Subject: Pinging and Timing
   Date: (none)

In response to the numerous notes on pinging, stalling and timing,  it is 
relatively easy for the back-yard mechanic to perform your own tune up. (just 
like the old days)  In fact, the Winter 1991 issue of the Miata Magazine had 
an article detailing how to check timing as well as perform a complete tuneup.
 Mazda went to great lengths to make the Miata easy to work on.  For example: 
there is a terminal under the hood that is used to hook up timing lights or 
other meters.  (since the battery is in the trunk)  

The article tells how to connect a jumper wire in the test terminal under the 
hood to put the engine computer into the "test" mode.  (kind of like plugging 
the vacume advance on my old Chevy 350)  Anyone should be able to change the 
oil, spark plugs, air cleaner and check the timing and idle in less than two 
hours.  If you are carefull, you don't even get dirty and get closer to your 
Miata than you ever thought you could!

For those with pinging problems that persist regardless of the grade of gas, I
would first check the timing and start at 10% or 12% before top dead center 
(btdc) and increase until the pinging returns or 14% max.  If you have to go 
below 10%, something else is wrong and I would have the dealer look toward the
engine management system (computer).  14% btdc is what most autocrossers set 
timing at and what I have run since April.  I live in HOT Central Texas and 
have never heard my 91 ping even in August running 89 octane fully loaded 
pulling a trailor to Miatas at INDY.

Eric Fancher
Tejas Miatas
Austin, Texas