Hyundai Excel Engine Problems

THERE could be many reasons, from a simple wiring problem -- and Korean cars tend to suffer from them -- to the coolant temp sensor. It may be difficult to trace, but I would start with the coolant sensor.

You need to get it checked by a mechanic with diagnostic equipment, particularly as it will become your daughter’s car and you don’t want it breaking down. It’s possibly the engine management computer that’s playing up, but you won’t know until you have it checked.

You could use E10 ethanol blend fuel in both of your cars; you could also use regular 91 in them if you wanted.

No. Hyundai only recommends E10 for cars built after October 2003.

THE recommended service interval for the belt is 100,000km, but remember that it is set at a conservative figure to cover the whole population. A belt might run without a problem for the sort of distance yours has, but chances are it won't and the consequences of it breaking are too dire to think about. Even if your belt has stretched just a little, that can lead to it jumping teeth, which can also be a disaster.

IT DOESN'T sound as if your Hyundai is burning oil, so I would be looking for a leak that is allowing oil to connect with the exhaust manifold or part of the exhaust system. If you can't see any leak, perhaps have the engine steam cleaned and then watch carefully for a few days to see if you can identify the leak source.

ACCORDING to the trade, the Excel doesn't have a problem with pinging. The advice about using a higher-octane fuel to check for the source is correct. As the pinging wasn't present when PULP was used, it suggests you have a problem with the fuel you're using. Try switching brands and buying from an outlet with a high volume of sales. It's possible you've had some poor-quality fuel. If that doesn't work and you aren't satisfied with what your dealer has done, contact Hyundai's local office and express your concerns directly.