Pinking?

[Deleted member 2227]

Great , thats something to look forward to then isnt it! The cat is the box near the front of the exhaust system rather than the back box isnt it? Just checking!

 

[996jimbo]

Slightly sort of OT but:

I've always been a bit dubious about chipping on the basis that the fuel map that the car comes with should (one would assume) be the optimised balance of performance against longevity of the engine. Presumably re-mapping eats in to the safety margins a little which must have an effect on engine life - or am I wrong? At least it would presumably lead to higher fuel consumption (there must be some cost otherwise after spending millions on development why would the manufacturer produce a car that under-performs?).

Also, I'm surprised that (as said by others) the chip seems to ignore the knock sensor that is there to prevent pinking. Surely whatever the new chip does in giving a new fuel map it should still be able to adjust the fuel mixture / timing to prevent pinking?

I'm no expert in this at all so apologies if I've missed something here.

 

[Deleted member 2227]

The cars leave the factory capable of running on the worst fuel available in the given markets. A european spec car has to be able to run on Russian 3 star as well as Optimax. By tuning the car to run on the best fuel I increase bhp from 136bhp to 150bhp or 10% but peak torque went from 140lbft to 183lbft ie 30%. Fuel consumption is worse when you use all the extra performance but better when cruising because the engine is running at peak efficiency. Also at my last 3 MOTs the car is emitting zero co2!

 

[turbominor]

if you can get access to a odbc reader or similar you will be able to get to an 'actual values' screen or similar that will show you the timing setting and you should be able to see it advance and retards.. most engines with and ecu have a knock sensor bolted to the block (never looked at a mb engine) but for example a golf gti will has one between cylinder 2 and 3, if this fails or falls off the engine will pink as the ecu cannot detec the knocking and adjust the timing..

that said most chips will alter the advance and retard curve + increase fueling to give more power... get it wrong and you will get more power then break in to pinking...

Other bit DONT buy an after market cat for your w202.. i have got stuck with one and it is awfull.. sounds very tinny and rattly over 4000rpm and i am currently looking for a good second hand cat/front pipe or a large amount of exhaust rap.

 

[Deleted member 2227]

Update, I've been driving around with the air con and hifi off, listening intently to every noise. The pinking is nearly one having added 40 litres of 99 ron. I presume the very occasional remaining pink is "normal" running and on going adjustment. I am now being super sensitive, most people now wouldnt hear anything at all! So moral of the story is dont be a cheapskate with fuel!!

PS It looks like my cat syill have all nine lives!

 

[Thmsshaun]

Talking of using high octane boost. Any experience of using an octane booster with your fuel?

 

[Deleted member 2227]

I think it works, but good stuff is very dear per gallon. Shell are supposed to be introducing 100 ron fuel at the pumps in "near future". Germany already has it on sale.

 

[Thmsshaun]

What fuel is 99Ron is that Optimax?

 

[996jimbo]

What fuel is 99Ron is that Optimax?

Tesco's own brand!

 

[Deleted member 2227]

What fuel is 99Ron is that Optimax?

I think most brands have there own superunleaded some are 97 ron but Optimax and Tesco's Super are 99ron. Some cars seem to really benefit from using it, others seem to be unaffected by it.

It makes a big difference on mine, so much sio that my wife can tell what petrol I put in!! Other members like Graham with his c230k notice no difference in running optimax.

I guess its try it and see, but you need to do a couple of tanks in order to get rid of the 95ron stuff. On the US sites they seem to swear by high ron fuels.

 

[Karl]

Check this link if you want to stop pinking, increase power and use less fuel.

http://pesn.com/2005/03/17/6900069_Acetone/

I have had good results using 20ml added to 10ltrs of fuel.

The ammount used is very small, ie. 1 teaspoon/gallon but any more and the MPG gains are negated even though the emmisions will fall further.

 

[Deleted member 2227]

What car are you testing that theory on?

 

[Shude]

I guess its try it and see, but you need to do a couple of tanks in order to get rid of the 95ron stuff. On the US sites they seem to swear by high ron fuels.

Cars destined for the USA are detuned to cope with their lower RON standards, also their measurement of RON is different to the rest of the world.

 

[Karl]

What car are you testing that theory on?

W210 E300 diesel and W124 230E both run smoother and the engines feel "cleaner" also no black smoke at all from the diesel.

 

[Deleted member 2227]

how about your petrol mpg?

 

[Deleted member 2227]

Just a footnote to this yarn. Sym kindly sorted out a replacement K&N filter for me, and now together with 99 ron fuel the cars running like a dream.................moral of the story is dont be a cheapskate and buy cheap fuel!

 

[Thmsshaun]

Just put some Optimax in so will see if it make any difference.

 

[Karl]

how about your petrol mpg?

My average is 31MPG, not bad for a big car!