Miata Mailing List: December 1999, Message #261

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> I went out and advanced the timing on my '90 to 16 degrees BTDC this
> afternoon. That was nice and easy, and I definitely feel the torque
> improvement.
yup...
>
>Still have a bit of "wait" when I mash the throttle from idle
> - about a quarter second. It feels like a bad accelerator pump on a
> carbureted engine.
yup... usually means you've let the revs drop too low...  keep 'em up over
4000 and the throttle hesitation goes away.

>But it do run nice, and I couldn't make it ping on 87
> octane, even lugging up steep hills in third.
don't do that...  lugging a fine engine is one of the worst punishments you
can give it.
>
> So, as I was tightening up the CAS bolt, I noticed a clackety racket from
> the top part of the engine. I assumed that it could be HLA noise, but since
> the motor was warmed up that seemed odd. On closer inspection, it sounds
> more like the injector on cylinder #3 is making the noise.

all of your injectors should be ticking.  usually not very loudly. sometimes
you even have to place a long handled screwdriver at the base of the
injector and listen at the handle just to hear it... but if the injector is
working it will make a ticking sound.

> Should I care? I
> have a spare (long story).
>
nah...  injectors will usually tell you when/if they need replacement...
hard starting, rough running, low power, excessive fuel consumption or
combinations of the above... and when they do it's prolly best to replace
them as a set.

> I think I'll change the oil next week and see if the sound persists.
oil change should make no difference if indeed it is injector noise.  otoh,
i find frequent oil changes provide good bonding time between me and my
ride.  the car is happier and i get that warm fuzzy feeling knowing i've
been extra good to her.

--
Bob Schnider & Tango
90A Red, eh... #1598
MCA, Sea to Sky Chapter
Deja Vu Racing
http://doc.schdist42.bc.ca/bob/