Hey gang,

I have a 94 Expl with the X code 4.0L v6 and manual trans. I'm having issues with pinging that I can't get rid of. I have tried the fuel cleaners, running cleaner through a vacuum port to the intake, regapping the plugs, checking for carbon deposits from leaking manifold, cleaning the MAF, resetting the computer (by pulling the neg bat terminal)...all to no avail. What else is left to try?? I am tired of running hi octane, when I haven't even loaded my trailer yet!

Andy

 

Had the same problem on mine. You might try retorqueing the lower intake manifold. These things have a habit of loosening up on this engine and leaking air causing it to run lean. You can access all of the bolts from the top of the engine without removing anything, although there's a couple in the back that are hard to get to without swivel adapters.

 

I had assumed that because none of the plugs had carbon buildup, that this would NOT indicate a manifold leak. I will try this, and hope for the best. Last time I looked, I couldn't even see the lower intake bolts. I may have to dig up a diagram somewhere. Thanks,

Andy

 

When I had pinging from loose lower intake bolts, I didn't have any deposits on my spark plugs, either.

 

Greetings:

I have a 2000 Explorer XLS with the 4.0L SOHC engine. I've tried replacing the upper AND lower intake manifold gaskets. Cleaned the MAF. Installed new plugs. Burned high octane gas. Reset the computer. I'm in Canada and tried a bottle of Rislone Karb out as well. The intake bolts were replaced with new ones I ordered from the dealer and torqued to 10 ft.lbs(120 in.lbs). I could access plugs 1,3,5 and 2. 4 and 6 have yet to be changed once I purchase a new angled ratchet. I still have detonation when under load at around 2300 to 3000 R.P.M.. When not under load I have no detonation at all. I still have tons of power when passing etc. but this detonation is driving me nuts. I have not yet removed the EGR valve to inspect it for carbon build up but I'm thinkin' it isn't the cause. What else can I do to solve this problem? I've searched the web high and low and it seems there are alot of peeps with this problem. I don't want to end up going to a dealer and having the usual trial and error scenario. I've been through this before with other vehicles. You take it to a dealer, they "fix" this and that, charge a ton of money and the problem is not solved. Then you take it back and they "try" something else. This also won't work and so on and so on. Before you know it your out a few hundred bucks and the problem is still there. I'd rather "try" these solutions myself and save the enormous labour charges. I'm not knocking dealers but it would seem that if there is no error code found on the computer they are just doing the same hit and miss as I am. The difference is I can do it without the labour charge. Has anyone else run into the same frustration and if so, how was it fixed???

 

Welcome to FTE!

There are three common causes of pinging on the 4.0; you have addressed two of them. Carbon build up is the third. From the Ranger forum, in the sticky titled technical information, there is information on how to do this https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=100739. I would suggest using the recommended PM3 cleaner rather than others. Make sure you install new spark plugs after decarboning. I would also inspect the EGR system for functionality and carefully inspect for a vacuum leak at any possible location. You might also verify that the heat riser is open when the engine is warm.

 

Check this site out I bet this is your problem.

http://www.deltacam.com/products.htm

 

jerry6512. I'm not sure why yours is pinging; I'm not really familiar with the SOHC. I know it has intake o-ring issues (could cause pinging??), and cam chain tensioner issues. (which causes noise, too). You might try posting your situation in it's own thread so people who are familiar with the SOHC can find it easier.

 

Its an 94 OHV. SOHC came out in 97.

 

This sounds like the timing chain rattle

 

Thanks for the idea but this is a SOHC engine. No push rods.

 

Thanks for the advice but unfortunately there is no canister purge valve on this motor. It is a port injection engine not a throttle body injection engine and I don't think it has a heat riser either. I very much appreciate the advice and efforts of all concerned. I think I'll do as was suggested and start a new thread regarding this particular engine and see if I get any bites. Thanks again folks. P.S. don't be afraid to post to this thread should you have other suggestions.

 

Would this not cause backfiring or power issues if it were a chain rattle? Would replacing the cam chain tensioner solve this? If I'm to understand correctly there are three chains? One from crank shaft to jack shaft and one from jack shaft to each cam shaft?

 

Do a search for this info. as it has been covered before.
As for the Deltacam link that was aimed at the first post
Good luck

 

*The canister purge valve is part of the evap emissions system and not the EGR system.

*Pushrod and SHOC 4.0's are both multport injection.

*I forgot about the timing chain issue on the SHOC motors; the point does have merit and should also be investigated.