5.4L pinging
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
5.4L pinging
First time here, sorry if posted in wrong place. I have a '02 250 with the 5.4L V8 that pings endlessly. It has been to the dealer 3 times and I'm always told that it 's the Y pipe. I say thats wrong because it goes away at higher altitudes(I live near sea level)and sometimes by using my foot to play with throttle position. When towing a trailer it pings nonstop at cruising highway speeds but goes away immediately under load for a hill or something. Even the General Manager drove it home one day and heard it also, but all they do is plug it into the computer which reports no problems. Has anyone else had a problem, or better yet a solution?
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
5.4L pinging
Originally posted by speedracer29
When towing a trailer it pings nonstop at cruising highway speeds but goes away immediately under load for a hill or something.
When towing a trailer it pings nonstop at cruising highway speeds but goes away immediately under load for a hill or something.
What grade fuel are you using?
Does it change at all with higher octane fuel?
Are you sure it's pre-detonation that you're hearing?
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Troy, NY
5.4L pinging
you know, I thought i had an exhaust leak on my truck I would hear it more pronounced when i was towing. Turns out it is just the way these engines sound. I drove a few of them, and they sounded the same. These engines seem to have their own sounds to them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 7
From: USA
5.4L pinging
Do a search we had a disucussion about this a few days ago ! pinging should not happen unless
something is wrong with engine controls! or your running some cheap gas .never had it on any ford engine i've ever owned.
Rich
something is wrong with engine controls! or your running some cheap gas .never had it on any ford engine i've ever owned.
Rich
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
5.4L pinging
On my second 250SD 5.4 .....
They both did/do it. I don't think it's pre-detonation though, as I also hear it in 8F weather under NO LOAD.
Had a F150 4x4 5.4 that made the same noise, only MUCH more noticeable than in the 250, especially on the highway when easing the accelerator to the floor from about 65-70mph.
My 5 cents...
Kraut
They both did/do it. I don't think it's pre-detonation though, as I also hear it in 8F weather under NO LOAD.
Had a F150 4x4 5.4 that made the same noise, only MUCH more noticeable than in the 250, especially on the highway when easing the accelerator to the floor from about 65-70mph.
My 5 cents...
Kraut
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
5.4L pinging
I've tried different types of gas and yes it is bad when I use mobil. But nowhere in the manual does it say a certain octane rating is required for the engine to run properly. I had a 98 150 with the same engine and never had a problem. I think it runs to lean under no load conditions, and then when I give it a lot of throttle its getting more fuel(richer), just as it would at 3to 4000 ft. elevation as compared to sea level. I've had a few very knowledgable people ride in it ( I work for Holley/NOS) and they all agree that it IS pinging , not making a strange exhuast noise. It always happens with about 3/8 to 1/2 inch of throttle, which is where it wants to be to maintain speed on the freeway.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 7
From: USA
5.4L pinging
I believe you have a problem with the engine controls ,get on an engine lab scope and also a good scanner !
you will find the condition thats causing it ,
could be lower intake gaskets leaking or upper with these plastic intakes this a common cause !
But there are also other things like modified intake
air mods and electronic controls that adjust timing
so on !
Rich
you will find the condition thats causing it ,
could be lower intake gaskets leaking or upper with these plastic intakes this a common cause !
But there are also other things like modified intake
air mods and electronic controls that adjust timing
so on !
Rich
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,733
Likes: 38
5.4L pinging
Find another dealer
The Ford PCM is an active computer with several feedback loops and is designed to retard the spark and control the fuel injection pulse length whenever preignition is detected or EMINENT.
That said, there are also a few other things in the engine bay that can sound like pinging.... some exhaust shrouds/shields rattling, also there is a 1/16 or 3/32 plate between the engine and auto trans that will rattle sometimes, and go away under a good load, I have even heard of a powersteering pump check valve that made quite a racket, but not at idle.
Anyway, if it is PINGING, it IS BAD! And a competent FORD repair place should see the wisdom of fixing the problem before they buy you a new warrenty engine
These engines are designed to use 87 RON, however my truck works better with 89/90 when I tow a heavy load through the mountains....you are right the engine runs lean ( to get by emmisions laws), the normally operating computer will detect preignition and retard the engine costing you power.
The Ford PCM is an active computer with several feedback loops and is designed to retard the spark and control the fuel injection pulse length whenever preignition is detected or EMINENT.
That said, there are also a few other things in the engine bay that can sound like pinging.... some exhaust shrouds/shields rattling, also there is a 1/16 or 3/32 plate between the engine and auto trans that will rattle sometimes, and go away under a good load, I have even heard of a powersteering pump check valve that made quite a racket, but not at idle.
Anyway, if it is PINGING, it IS BAD! And a competent FORD repair place should see the wisdom of fixing the problem before they buy you a new warrenty engine
These engines are designed to use 87 RON, however my truck works better with 89/90 when I tow a heavy load through the mountains....you are right the engine runs lean ( to get by emmisions laws), the normally operating computer will detect preignition and retard the engine costing you power.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
5.4L pinging
Thanks for the replys, I was told at the dealer that they all make the noise. But of course they also told me that they didn't hear anything! I've been planning to go to another dealer but I was just waiting to see if it would kill itself first since there "wasn't anything wrong with it"
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mutt
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
9
Apr 27, 2016 05:18 PM
