Help!

The last few trips I've hauled my 5th wheel (26' Arctic Fox) I've noticed that I get a little pinging when just traveling down the highway. It happens when I depress the gas pedal ever so slightly, and then it'll go away until I make another slight adjustment. I don't notice anything while pulling hills. Without the 5th hooked up, I can't recreate the pinging.

I've tried running Premium just to see if it makes a difference, it doesn't seem to. I know that the truck is supposed to run just fine on 87. I also notice that when I run Premium, the Service Engine light will come on and I have to run a few tanks of 87 to clear it. I've only done this a few times.

I'm concerned about causing any damage to the truck and was wondering if anybody else has had problems like this? I've talked to the local Ford dealer and all they could tell me was to get the Chip updated (for a $160 since I'm out of warranty). I've read on this board that I should probably avoid doing that.

I also don't think this is the flutter problem because it only happens while under load, but I'm new to all this so it could just be my lack of understanding. Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

I've got about 47,000 on the truck.

 

Three in one

Pre ignition and several other bad sounding noises are sometimes hard to trace.

Your V10s PCM uses sensors to determine pinging and will retard the ignition to eliminate it. When this happens you loose power. If the system is working correctly you will usually notice the pinging for a second or two before the computer reduces it.

Flutter, exhaust shields, and the torque converter tin shield can all cause intermitant noises that can be mistaken for pinging.

Some times small gravel will get into the shields and only make noises when there is a certain vibration (exceleration, brakeing).

Poor quality fuel, weak fuel pump, clogged fuel filter will cause pinging and lost power. A clogged Air filter will not cause pinging, but still rob power.

I highly recommend Chevron with Techron at 87 octane. Others say there is no difference. You be the judge.

First eliminate all the things that could sound like pinging.

Use good fuel and new filters. If problem is still apperant, accept the cost and find a COMPETANT Ford dealer.

Could be low fuel pressure, bad injector/s, sensor, or other components.

There was a tendency on the early (yours) V10s to try to fix things with a new Code program. Some times this worked, but many times they put in a code that solved the problem at the expense of power.

If you find a COMPETANT dealer, discuss this concern up front. Tell them that IF they change the code and affect the drivability and power you WILL be back for warranty fixes. (All Ford work is warranted).

 

Fredvon4,

Thanks for the reply! The second or two you describe for the computer to reduce the pinging seems to be what I'm experiencing, but it seems to happen everytime I make a slight adjustment.

I will try looking at all the shields again to elimante them as a source. Quite some time ago I thought I fixed all my rattles, maybe I didn't get it all.

Last night I replaced the fuel filter and today I picked up a new air filter. Hopefully I can get the trailer on it this weekend to see if the filter changes helped.

I suppose poor quality fuel could be contributing to it. I usually run Costco and Safeway gas. Next tank I'll fill up at Chevron to see if that makes a difference.

I also spoke with a local mechanic to see if he had any opinions. He told me that I should not be getting the Service Engine light with Premium fuel and that I should be running Premium when towing. After everything I've read on this BB, I was a little suspect of his advice. At the very least though, he offered to scan it for codes if I could reproduce the Service Engine light with Premium fuel.

I'm with you on finding a competent dealer or mechanic. I don't mind spending some cash if I feel I'm working with someone who knows what their doing. I am unimpressed by the reponse of my local dealer.

Thanks again for your input. I'll follow up with what I find.