Hi everybody!
and good to find you all!

I bought a SH (second hand) Hyundai Accent '00, (i think 1.6L) with 100k miles on it, and I'm having an issue that I'll try to explain: when the engine is cool it runs, accelerates just fine, or at least I think so. On the other hand, when the engine is in parameters (normal hot), whenever i push the gas pedal a little harder (to climb a hill, to accelerate a bit faster), I hear a noise coming from the engine, like the spark is not given at the right time, and pistons are hitting the cilinders in vain because they don't generate expected power (like a high pitch tac-tac-tac-tac over the normal engine noise). I'm sorry, i'm not a auto/tech person, and i don't really know if this makes any sense, but someone told me it's because of the timming (belt). I changed the sparking plugs like 3..4 months ago, and for a while i had the feeling it was working fine, but now it looks like i'm driving a car with only 40..50hp.

If someone can give me some advices, tips what to look for, or if I take the car to a service what to ask the professional people to look for..?

Thank you in advance!
M.

 

Sounds like engine 'ping'.

What would cause the engine to ping is what you would need to find out.

tr

 

engine 'ping' ... can you detail a bit please? or the "specialist" should know what I'm asking... ?

I know the sonar is "ping"-ing ... and the PC windows command "ping" ... that's all

 

OK, i take that back! My car engine is ping-ing... I got it now!

then the next Q would be: what are the causes for engine "ping"? anyone?
thank you!

 

Are you using the Hyundai oil filter on the car?Ive heard that if the right oil filter is not used then the oil doesnt circulate properly and can cause the engine to "ping" when it is starved for oil.This is an excerpt from the technical service bulletin about it DESCRIPTION:
Some vehicles may experience an engine knock noise with the use of an aftermarket oil filter. Aftermarket oil filters may use different materials, construction and specifications than genuine Hyundai oil filters, which may lead to pressure variations within the engine, thus contributing to an engine knocking noise.

 

Ok, I read that thing about the Hyundai oil filter in this forum. I don't know, I have to look at this tonight. I guess the last oil change was performed at Valvoline express or something like that...
But the ping noise, remind me of the old cars that use to have a distributor and you could adjust the timming rotating that thing left or right to correct the problem and make the engine sound good.

 

What you are experiencing is called ignition knock or ping.Now what can cause this.Hmmm. Low grade fuel.Contaminated fuel.Stopped up catalyst.Ignition timing incorrect.Faulty injectors.Incorrect plugs or wires installed.Compression problems.Ok I am tired of naming reasons.Here is what to do.Connect a scan tool and read fuel trims.Check for any pending codes.If nothing there then examine fuel system by removing pump and inspecting tank for rust or water.Compression and cylinder leakage test.Inspect timing marks for correct alignment.Disconnect MAF sensor and see if problem goes away.Basically alot of tests. Now you can do these or have a technician .I assume you dont own a 5k dollar scan tool to read fuel trims.So bring it to a shop and have it diagnosed correctly.
And I would not perform diagnosis in order above.

 

Well, thank you very much Sir!
I was also thinking to go to a technician... but I wasn't sure what to say and ask for.
On the other hand, I tried high grade fuel in the past, but not much improvement there. When I changed the plugs I bought some brand or type recommended in the Hyundai user manual. The old ones were pretty dirty (black).