Just took a nice little trip down to Port Aransas ,Texas this past weekend with the travel trailer and had a blast. My trailer only weighs in at 2700#'s so toweing was not a problem with 4:30 gears. My ole' 99 sc auto 2wd did great. However, I did notice some very noisy pinging when the rpm's were above 2600. After we got home yesterday, I unloaded and drove the truck at those rpm's and still noticed the pinging, just not near as loud. Today, we've had a cold front blow in and the temperature is in the 60's and I've heard no pinging whatsoever and it runs like a scalded ape, big difference in the cool weather. My truck does have 135K miles on it and I'm the second owner. The plugs were changed at 100K so he says. Could my truck have an engine temperature problem causing the pinging? It never got hot according to the gauge. What is the factory temperature rating thermostat and would it hurt to put a cooler, 160, in it? Thanks, Tpepper

 

Someone else with an incurable ping DID have a thermostat that wasn't opening all the way - definitely something to check ...

Don't change the stock temperature for the thermostat - the computer relies on the coolant getting to a certain temp, and putting a 160 in it will kill the gas mileage.

My '01's thermostat is 195 degrees.

Check all the rest of the stuff, like tranny inspection cover, exhaust heat shields, clean the MAF, check for vacuum leaks, etc.

And report back...

 

Check the exhaust manifold bolts too.

 

I have had the same issue, but it was fuel related.
V10's can be picky about the fuel you burn in them.

 

I'd leave the stock temp thermostat in.

The plugs may be worth looking at as well. The guy may have changed the plugs at 100k but what brand did he use and what were they gapped at? The V10 is picky about plug brands and the Motorcraft is best. I would say you also could have gotten a bad batch of gas also, with poor quality or lower octane level. Could have even been some water in the gas.

 

Thanks guy's for the quick replies. I'll check all the shields and manifold bolts. What is the best way to clean the MAF? I'm not sure on that one. Thanks, Tpepper

 

I find fuel to be a problem at times. The hotter the weather the better my results with mid grade fuel instead of regular. It certainly depends on brand, I think some of them low ball the octane.

 

I unbolt the MAF from the intake and spray it out of the truck.

Some guys spray it in the truck.

 

That sounds to me like a fuel problem. If it's running leaner than it's supposed to, then you'll get pinging.

 

Thanks again guy's. I'll get to work and post an update later. Thanks, Tpepper