Hyundai Repair: rough idle + sluggish power, hyundai accent, gauge needle

Question
Thank you first for all for your advice, this is a wonderful service you offer.

Fuel injected - I didn't think so but according to specs at www.automotive.com/2000/12/hyundai/accent/specifications/ it is.

Check engine lamp is not flashing.
Temp gauge is normal.

I feel the engine or something in it is running hot because of the smell, and the engine 'pings' as it cools down after even a short drive.

My neighbour suggested a blown gasket, is that likely?

I'll check the plugs first as you suggest. I'm not sure that I can check the wires & ignition coil myself? but I'll look into it.  

thanks!




-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi,
I've got a 2000 Hyundai Accent, manual, low mileage. (not a US model if that makes a difference) It's just started having a rough idle, plus sluggish / low power, especially at take off or at low revs. Really noticeable in reverse. A friend said it sounded like a blown gasket. When I said gasket to the mechanic he said $$$$.

Other symptoms - it's running hot.
After a short drive I can smell the engine is hot and it makes little tinging noises as it cools. The radiators full. Water in it is hot. Oil seems okay.

Is there anything I can check or do myself before giving it up to the service center?

thanks in advance for any advice.
-----Answer-----
It sounds like you may have a misfire.  Is your car fuel injected?  Does it have a check engine lamp?  If so, is the lamp on or flashing?

Do you conclude the vehicle is running hot because of the odor and the tinging noises, or does the temperature gauge indicate it's too hot?  Where does the temperature gauge needle point?  It's possible that the odor and noises are caused by a misfire.  They'd be consistent with that.

If you indeed have a misfire, then you'll want to check the plugs, wires, and ignition coil.  Those are the primary causes of misfires.

Answer
If you've got a check engine lamp, I'd strongly suspect it's fuel injected.  The website you give seems only to deal with cars for the United States, so the information there doesn't necessarily apply to your car.  

If your check engine lamp is on, you should have the codes read.  That will probably be the greatest assistance in determining the nature of the problem.

Chances are that the car isn't actually running hot, since your coolant is full and the gauge is normal.  It's more likely that the smells and noises you're experiencing are caused by the engine running poorly.

I doubt the problem is a blown gasket.  Although it's possible your symptoms could be caused by a failed head gasket, that's very rare on this engine, especially with the symptoms you describe.  

Since I'm not sure you have fuel injection, I'll add to check the distributor cap and rotor, if you car has a distributor.