My '73 Delta 88 350 engine knocks when I accelerate heavily and especially uphill. I have the timing adjusted correctly, but it still does it. I have heard that this may be because I us regular 87 unleaded gas. I have heard that these older engines require premium all the time because of compression issues or something. Is this true, because I really don't feel like paying for premium at the pump.

chris

 

By 1973, all Olds motors were low compression, so premium should not be required. Carbon buildup inside the cylinders will lead to increased compression and knocking, however. Check the timing again, and also have the balancer checked to be sure the outer ring hasn't slipped, thowing the timing off.

 

Thanks for the info! I will check the timing again and look into the balancer...One question though; where is the balancer located?

 

The harmonic balancer is on the crank pulley. It is where your timing mark is located. You can double check your timing mark by kicking your engine over to TDC on the # 1 cylinder (hold your finger over the spark plug hole and crank the engine with the coil wire off). Then look for your timing mark next to your advance indicators.

 

Thank you for helping me out Olds64. I will do all of that.