Hey guys.

I got a 312 in my 57 T Bird. The car pings a bit under hard acceleration or when it is under load going uphill. It appears to do it when its gets up to normal operating temperature or hotter.

When it is running under operating temperature it doesn’t seem to do it. I am thinking that it runs leaner when it gets hotter? Is it a fuel/air screw adjustment?



Thanks

Did it just start doing that or is it something that just started. You must remember these things were built to run on ethyl gasoline. You may have to retard it just a little.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

I’ll agree with Crenwelge that the ignition timing likely just needs to be backed up.  If you’re not already running premium fuel, then doing so could potentially stop the pinging without further adjustments and that would be the most simple fix.  Pinging can be caused by engine temperature, ignition timing, air/fuel mixture, fuel octane level, aged fuel, combustion chamber contamination or any combination of these.  Continuing to drive the vehicle with it pinging (detonating) can cause internal engine damage specific to the rings, bearings, valves, and head gaskets.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I agree with both comments above- but wonder why is it getting hotter than normal? I would also check into that. You never mentioned what your timing is set at. If you continue to have a problem might also check springs on mechanical advance. Perhaps one fell off.

Ol'ford nutCentral Iowa

56 Vic w/292 & 4 spd.