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So I have the "pinging" that sounds like marbles in my engine... and just to give it a shot, I filled up with 89 octane gas, which to my surprise, worked well.
However, if the truck is made to run 87, how do I actually FIX the problem, not just patch it?
I just got the truck about 5 months ago, and it has been doing it since I got it. It is not severe, and it only does it when I am going up a steep hill (which I have to do every day).
I actually don't know if it is flex fuel.. How could I find out? The owners manual that came with the truck originally was lost by a previous owner, and I only have a 2001 Ranger 3.0 manual now, so who knows?
It does not have a new multifunction switch, but I need to get one, I do have the "phantom wipers" as I like to call it.
Look up your Vin number code on the FTE Vin decoding link to find out if it's a flex fuel 3.0L Vulcan engine.
They also had decal symbols, I believe on the tailgate & maybe on the front fenders.
Anyway if it's a flex fuel Vulcan, add the ethanol sensor to the ping suspect list, along with a vacuum leak, wrong heat range spark plugs, dirty MAF sensor, carbon deposits, out of spec octane fuel, spark timing, dirty fuel injectors, are some of the things that come to mind.
SO, we need some more clues to make a better guess.
Seeing as how it responded favorably to an increase in octane by going to midgrade & pings on a pull, are clues, so maybe it's carbon deposits if all of the other things check out, but thats just a guess at this point.
BTW, when it's time for the phantom multi-function switch replacement, refer to the link I posted in your thread about it ealier this year, to see if yours is covered by the 00B40 program, or call the Ford Dealer with the VIN # & they can tell you if it's covered, or if it's already been changed under that program. The replacement is at no cost to you if covered & my 00B40 letter from Ford didn't have an exparation date on the program!!!!
Sometime the pinging/marbles is due to a failing mass air flow sensor. That was my truck's problem. I had the same symptom, marbles while climbing a grade when the engine was under a heavier load when outside temps were warmer (summer).
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