fordguy17

i hear a noise coming from under my hood while accelerating slowly and letting it shift into gear early (automatic trans). i don't know how to describe it. but its kinda quiet sounds kinda like spark knock but much quieter.... any ideas? how do i check my timing with a timing light? what should the timing be set at running 87 octane gas?

also my fuel pressure is set at 40psi with all vacumm lines hooked up. is that too much for a stock motor with bolt ons? (headers, u/d pulleys, ignition etc)

SilverGTV8

It sounds like crinkling tin foil. You are probably running to low an octane with those mods and may be pinging. Try running 89 and see how it does.

To use a timing light you attach the clip lead to the #1 spark plug wire and shoot the light at the balancer. You adjust the timing by turning the cap and rotor until you advance or retard the timing. Oh and you need to disconnect the vaccum advance when you do it.

Be careful because you can do some damage if you aren't careful.

fordguy17

yeah, it does sound kinda like crinkling tin foil. i have been messing around with my fuel pressure regulator, b/c there was some loose screws and it was leaking and i looked at it again just now and realized there is some kind of plug coming out of it that i forgot to plug in before i drove it today. plugged it in, took it for a spin and i no longer hear that noise. i will listen for it tomorow on my way to school. thanks again for your help.

dc_mann8

got a exhaust leak?

fordguy17

i don't think i do but i can smell exhaust in my car at idle. i figured this was due to the dumps coming out under my car? the exhaust smell "rich" thats why i was wondering if i should turn the fuel pressure down to 38 or so. what do you think? how do i check for exhaust leaks?