[net.auto] Carter Ignition?

bhs@siemens.UUCP (02/21/85)

Recently, there has been a discussion of engine knock sensors/control systems
for cars. 
This topic has, admittedly, been treated very low key on the net so far. I have
been told by a friend that the Carter company makes an aftermarket kit which
will detect engine preignition, and is able to control the ignition. 

While my friend is definetly a reliable source, I would none the less like to
see whether anybody on the net can confirm the existance of this product, and
perhaps even impart some further information on it - such as the cost, and
reliability of it.

			Bernard H. Schwab
			Siemens RTL, Princeton, NJ

kens@orca.UUCP (Ken Serack) (02/25/85)

> 
> 
> 
> 
> Recently, there has been a discussion of engine knock sensors/control systems
> for cars. 
> This topic has, admittedly, been treated very low key on the net so far. I have
> been told by a friend that the Carter company makes an aftermarket kit which
> will detect engine preignition, and is able to control the ignition. 
> 
> While my friend is definetly a reliable source, I would none the less like to
> see whether anybody on the net can confirm the existance of this product, and
> perhaps even impart some further information on it - such as the cost, and
> reliability of it.
> 
> 			Bernard H. Schwab
> 			Siemens RTL, Princeton, NJ

I am currently using a Carter Engine Knock Eliminator on my '71 Toyota
Celica. I am using this unit because of my relatively high compression
ratio and the lack of high octane petrol. 

The way it works: A pzieo-electric (sp) sensor tuned to the frequency
of engine knock is attached to the head. The control unit is attached
to the sensor and the distributor. When engine knock starts, (depending
on the sensitivity adjustment) the control unit electronically retards
the timing. When knocking stops, the timing is restored.

The unit works very well, and is nicely adjustable (you can adjust 
the total amount of retard and the sensitivity of the knock sensor).

As far as reliability goes, I have been using it for over a year, and
have had no problems.

Ken Serack
Tektronix, Inc.
Wilsonville, Or.
tektronix!tekecs!kens