I have a 97 F-150 with about 170K on it. I noticed about every other tank I am 1/2 to 1 quart low on oil. I also run mid grade gas, if I don't it pings all the time. The other days I floored it to pass on the high and noticed it pinging, at the same time I looked in the side view mirroe and noticed smoke comming from the exhaust. Does the pinging cause it to burn off oil? Do my heads neeed work?

Thanks

 

Excessive pinging can damage pistons and valves. It depends on the color of the smoke. Sounds like you need a PCM reflash for pinging issues. You shouldn't have to run mid grade fuel unless you have a performance chip installed. There could be carbon built up in the combustion area and possibly some partially clogged injectors as well as a dirty fuel filter. I would also clean the MAF first, if it's dirty, it could make it run too lean.

 

Best I could tell the smoke was white/grey. Truck has had the decarb/inj/flush on a reg basis. I spray off the MAF when I change the air filter. Nothing but the factory chip.

 

Becareful on the advice about mid grade, LxMan1, Here in Colorado springs Mid grade is 87 octane, and that is what the truck calls for. (low grade is 85). I do agree with the reflash though.

Lance

 

what would reflash do?

 

Yeah, lower octane due to thinner air.
The reflash will usually recurve the timing advance so that it doesn't ping. There were pinging issues on some of the 97-98's.

 

crap i am in houston texas. you can walk on the air

 

Here in Ky, we have 87, 89 & 93 octane. I have a Predator tuner with the timing set @ 5% advanced and have no pinging problems. I would see if the dealer has an update for your PCM.

 

Pinging usualy occures when the timming is advanced to far or you are using the wrong fuel grade. also if there are deposits on or in the cylinder area which heat up and cause pre exnition. (spelling I know). I just beat that battle with my sones 93 toyota paso that was pinging bad timming advanced to far. But on a newer vehicle you can't adjust the distributor the cpu does it so reflash and it should fix the problem.

Lance

 

Maybe I should get a tuner, what is a good one to get?

 

hi Shane, i have a very similar problem and was advised to do a compression test.

i get the white/light grey smoke sometimes at launch and she is burning way too much oil. i changed the oil the other day with new filter and all and got it leveled just right.

about 3 - 5 days later i check it and its' barely showing up on the dipstick. here is the thread i started a few days ago...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=394020

...unfortunately my nephew (my sidewalk mechanic) is working double shifts and hasn't had the time to help me with the compression test.

if you look in the thread a little ways down (maybe second page) you'll find a very nice "how-to" on compression testing courtesy of my man Lance.

it really sounds like we're in the same boat - hopefully it's nothing that will cost too much to fix either way.

Gods speed!