I did a search on detonation and found a lot of entries however none describing what exactly the problem of detonation is. Can somebody answer me "what is detonation?" can I buy it at PEP boys or should I leave it alone. just kidding. I have no clear explanation and would just like to know what it is and how to prevent it. In laymans terms please.

 

I believe it is when you have 2 or more flame fronts colliding in the combustion chamber that set off shock waves.

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Detonation (often call knock, ping{img}, Abnormal combustion, rumble, autoignition, predetonation) happens when a factor other then spark ignites the air/fuel ratio, in a spark ignition engine.
It also can occur if spark advance, low octane, lean condition,... , causes the cylinder pressure to rise too rapidly before TDC.

There are two major groups:
1) Spark Knock: -Controlable by the Spark Advance (Low octane, Lean,...)
2) Surface ignition:
i) Knocking Surface ignition -deposit or rough/hot spot (Too hot of spark plugs fall into this catagory)
ii) Wild ping -caused by material cracks in combustion chamber.




[This message has been edited by SilverBullet (edited 06-12-2000).]

 

Yeah, and that is not like the best thing that can happen or something. The same thing happens to me when I eat Mexican food.

 

The easiest way to describe it is pre-ignition. The fuel charge is going off too soon, trying to send the piston back down while the crank is trying to send it up. Real hard on pistons and bearings.

 

Yep! Exactly like mexican food. The ole motor doesn't fire at TDC so you lose power or something.

I also know that if there is predetination, that means it was supposed to happen and there's nothing you can do about it. Isn't that right REVBBQ.

[This message has been edited by sixpipes (edited 06-12-2000).]

 

Damn,I hate when it happens before top dead center.Once it starts its usually too late.Your timing needs to be perfect! Is really hard on your shaft and ballbearings.