Hi all, I have read a ton of posts about the pinging issues. Most seem to change a bunch of things but never report back if it worked or not. This is what I have 2011 E350, 190k. It runs fine cold. It sounds like there are rocks in a can from the right side of the motor under load or up hill in higher gear. It is intermittent, never any lights. It did go away when running 93 octane. I was hoping something was loose but I think its that pre-detonation issue. Spark plugs were changed at 130k with a couple of coils.

Before I start changing everything what has worked for you guys in the past. I don't mind replacing stuff because it is getting more miles and those things will fail soon anyway, I just want to be intentional about it.

Thanks
Bill

 

 

Thank you. I need to find out if I can gut cats in Tennessee. What is the process for that? Cut out with sawzall knock out centers. Then reattach with couplers and u bolts?

also what is the life span of spark plugs? Could this be a plug/coil issue and how would I know. Would I have to take to dealer for them to scan?

 

you can stick a long rod into the pipe and just bash it out. That'll get you results for $0. This caveman approach will probably leave you with small pieces rattling around though.

Last time mine went bad I had a muffler shop cut them out and then weld in straight pipe (custom bent pipe- not literally straight). They even welded on new bungs for the O2 sensors. The muffler shop did it for cash only, no receipt, and they kept the bad converters so they could scrap them. They charged me $100. It took about 60-90minutes.

What a relief as as soon as I drove away. It accelerated better than it has in a very long time. It immediately cured 80-90% of the pinging, and after a few more days/hundreds of miles it was gone completely.

Im not the guy of person who cares much about the whole "green movement" etc., but I tell you what: the tailpipe STINKS.
Youll get better fuel economy simply because you'll turn the engine off to avoid the smell when you walk around the right rear side of the van.
Its actually embarrassing when I have a customer near my van and have it idling. I'm always non-verbally coaxing them away from the tailpipe if it's running.

And of course youll have an eternal Check Engine light. There are some alleged tricks to fool the van's computer but I haven't tried them.

In the end; I recommend keeping cats on whenever possible. Or replace with new if you can afford it.