Pinging when hot

[set]

Hi

I am a new MK2 GTI 8V owner (bought 2 days ago). Car has done 213000km. The engine pings under slight load above 3000rpm but only when hot. Does anyone know what might cause this?

Thanks

[golfvr6]

Do you mean pinks?

[golfvr6]

If you do mean pinking then is your car a k-jet or a digifant?

[richandhazel]

Assuming its a k-jet, you need to retard the ignition timing. You could try using Shell Optimax, the higher octane will help.

[golfvr6]

And if it a digifants its probably a faulty or loose knock sensor.

[set]

It is Digifant. The previous owner just did a head gasket replacement on it and it has been suggested to me that they might have put the timing belt on incorrectly. Is this possible? Is there a way to check without a timing light?

Thanks

[richandhazel]

It could well be the timing belt.
You don't need a strobe to check that (strobe is for your ignition timing). If you look in your Haynes manual it should give you a procedure somewhere for getting your engine to TDC and checking your static timing i.e
crankshaft pulley mark is aligned with the arrow on the lower cam belt cover, camshaft pulley mark is aligned with the top of the head etc.
Failing that try 'golfvr6' suggestion with the knock sensor.

[golfvr6]

It probably is the timing, as rich said checked the static timing at TDC, you be amazed how many people f**k it up.