HI All I'm new at this bought this '89 F150 about 6 months ago had 86000 original. Seemed to be in good shape? I got it from the original owner.
Started having starting problems took it to the shop they did a fuel system cleaning. They also found the front side freeze out plugs leaking. After a good flush and replacement of those I got it back it stars and runs much better BUT I now have a ping or what sounds like valve tapping when I step down on it or go up a hill of most any size. I forgot to mention I also put a fresh tuneup on it Plugs, Wires, Cap & Rotor, Pvc and Fule filter. I have a K&N air filter which is new. The Mecanhnic say's its from the timing chain and that on this vintage of truck they needed replacing at 90 - 100K? He also thinks I will need to replace all of the freeze outs soon which apprently requires the Engine to be pulled up and out a bit to reach them???? This all comes to about $800 to $1000 I'm just not sure if he is shooting straight with me.

I do know the truck runs and starts great it just has this pinging???

Help/ Thanks

 

Probably detonation. Try running "premium" fuel or some octane boost. You might want to have the timing checked or better yet check it your self. I would get a second opinion on the chain, my 92 302 has 138000 on it with no problems so far but never know.
Hope this helps

BTW Welcome to FTE

 

Thanks Gasman I was thinking with Electronic Ing. the timing would take care of it self I guess that is not true?

The Mid-Grade 89 oct gas didn't make any difference I will try the timing next. I did not find any regular maintanance that called for a timing chain replacment for the '89 F150.

Thanks again

 

>>Started having starting problems took it to the shop they did a fuel system cleaning>>

What was the problem you took it in for( rough idle, hesitation, lack of performance etc..)?

When did you do the tune up, before or after you took it to the mechanic?

Does the ping diminish or get worse at wide open throttle ( pedal to the metal). This is important because WOT puts the PCM into open loop which will help narrow down the problem.

The part about the this vintage Ford timing chains needing replacement at 90-100k is a load of BS.

 

I did the tune-up before the visit to the shop... the reason for the shop visit was hard starting wich was a gear in the column which had the teeth worn down. I had them do a inj. cleaning as well.

There was some hesitation and rough Idle... it starts and Idels great now. The ping is worse on a up hill grade on flat road the ping goes away at about 60 mph or so and the performance seems to be good up to 85mph which is the limit on the speedometer.

Thanks Mikey58