Mk3 2.0 8v pinking, why??

[Turbotezz]

Hello chaps!

Right, since i have had my golf, I have had pinking when under any load from the engine.
I first checked the plugs, they are fine, replaced the Dizzzy cap. Bought a cheap vag-com and found the dizzy was out a little, corrected that. Changed the fuel filter and gave it a can BG 44K and still the same amount of pinking!!!

I ran fault codes on the engine and nothing came back.

Whats next to try?? There still seems to be plenty of pull to the engine, still hits the limiter.

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!

[Luke1981]

Cracked or damaged exhaust manifold maybe?

[Screech16v]

Maybe previous owner chipped the ecu which has aggresive advanced ignition timing ,try some 98ron petrol see if that stops it.

[Turbotezz]

I thought initially that it may have been exhaust but i really dont think it is.

When this tank full is done i will try some tesco 99 RON, but i dont really want to have to be getting super all the time, it will cost a bloody fortune as this is my only car thus my daily!

It  has been suggested that it could be the knock sensor even though its not throwing up a fault code

[Screech16v]

Knock sensor could be a good call actually .probably wont throw a code in all cases .id still try a tenner of 99 though 

[tweed]

My BMW used to do it. It's a common problem for them and its a cam position sensor. But that was only around 3000

You sure it's pinking and not miss firing?

I would change the plugs.

[Turbotezz]

defo pinking. the plugs are fine. will look for a knock sensor. is there anyway of testing to see if it's gone before I change it?

[tweed]

I wouldn't know mate

[Turbotezz]

gave the keys to some experienced ears today. Guess what, its the bloody exhaust, like i thought it was when i had the car! Grrrr, soooo miffed i listened to so many other people when all along it was what i though!

[tweed]

I thought initially that it may have been exhaust but i really dont think it is.

You sure