My 2cv seems to like pinking when ive not really been on the throttle hard for a while i.e going down a hill. Then if i lightly put my foot on the loud pedal it starts to pink if I then stamp it down to the floor it stops pinking. I've tried sticking new Valeo points and condensor in and then re-timming but dont have a strobe light so only been setting it up static. Anyone got any ideas what it maybe???

See on t'other place.

retard the ignition by moving the pontsbox anticlockwise by incriments till it stops.

Sean

The advance weights are stuffed. Replace them and the problem should go away. That is if points are adjusted correctly.

Chris,
from your description, that's not pinking you're hearing, as that would _always_ be worse with a wider throttle opening, particularly when the engine is under load.

Because the sound you're hearing is most noticeable with a combination of light throttle and light load, it's more likely to be wear in the engine, perhaps little end rattle or piston slap...

ken.

That would be my view as well.

It may well be piston slapping, see or hear this http://video.tiscali.it/canali/truveo/2108941996.html
but it is normally when the pistons and cylinders are cold.
Also piston slapping in A models are usually first heard when there is no load on the engine. If ignored the slapping may develope later when warm as well.
It may also be the crank shaft or valve arms (rocker arms) or the tip on one push rod is loose. How old is the engine in kilometers or miles I should say.
Did the sound appear suddenly or over time?

Thanks for the replies I forgot to mention that I thought it was pinking because it seemed to overheat. Think I may invest in a timming strobe and make sure ive got that spot on. Then if it still does it start checking out some of the more internal stuff that you've all mentioned.

Just looked at the link
OOh thats not piston slap thats a f**ked engine had a 1900 diesel vw like that burnt a Litre of engine oil every 100 miles...used no diseasel just ran off the sump

your right though cold engine under light load will slap if a bit worn (or pistons upside down IIRC )

Sean

True,
flapping, not slapping...

You are all right when you say to do timming with a strobe finaly managed to buy one this morning clipped it all onto the car and timming was out have adjusted it and it now seems to be running well again.