sick of pinging
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 3
From: Nebraska
sick of pinging
My 95 F-150 has a slight ping at 2000-2100 rpm under load, and it's had it for longer than I care to admit. I've searched and read and tried about everything mentioned and still have it. It's really annoying and I know I should get it taken care of. So far here's what I've replaced trying to fix it:
-knock sensor
-EGR valve
-timing gears and chain
-spark plugs one step colder
Substituted known good parts:
-MAP sensor
-distributor
-ignition module
-EVR
I've tried running the timing at 8 degrees. I've moved my 9mm Ford Racing plug wires around in about every way I can. Had a Motorvac ran on it way back when it started.
Somebody mentioned that replacing their thermostat (accidently) solved their pinging problem. I may try this as the gasket seeps anyway, but I have my doubts. I have a hunch it's EGR related, but what else can I check? It only does it when the engine is fully warmed up, and it's not bad but definately there. There's no codes, no power loss, and other than the ping it runs perfect. Any other ideas? I'm at a loss here and it's driving me nuts.
-knock sensor
-EGR valve
-timing gears and chain
-spark plugs one step colder
Substituted known good parts:
-MAP sensor
-distributor
-ignition module
-EVR
I've tried running the timing at 8 degrees. I've moved my 9mm Ford Racing plug wires around in about every way I can. Had a Motorvac ran on it way back when it started.
Somebody mentioned that replacing their thermostat (accidently) solved their pinging problem. I may try this as the gasket seeps anyway, but I have my doubts. I have a hunch it's EGR related, but what else can I check? It only does it when the engine is fully warmed up, and it's not bad but definately there. There's no codes, no power loss, and other than the ping it runs perfect. Any other ideas? I'm at a loss here and it's driving me nuts.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,970
Likes: 596
From: Greater Austin, Texas
I used to have a 302 that pinged like crazy, even if I put in Super Unleaded gas. I have forgotten who told me this but you have to make sure the #7 and #8 plug wires are seperated as much as possible, they tend to jump fire inductively from one to the other. Doing that fixed my problem.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
There is definitely something wrong with a motor that pings.. but finding it may be difficult, you may need to put an analyzer on it to look at the sensor outputs realtime. Dirty injectors or a leaking Thermactor system will cause pinging under load, as well as a malfunctioning EGR. If this is a MAF motor you may be able to use a little device that has been mentioned here before, it adjusts the output of the MAF meter to make the motor run a little richer. Here it is...
IST Products
IST Products
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
Likes: 2
From: Elkhart IN
x2 on the seafoam. Carbon deposits can heat up to the point of being a point of ignition, and cause the ping. Do you have a actual temp gauge? If not, it might be running a slight bit on the hot side.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,978
Likes: 0
From: Central PA
I did all of the above and took it to Ford garage afte 5 trips to put on Computer at local shop. Everything check out fine . But to stop ping They had to crank back timing to the point its lazy. And MPG went down ... All sensor had been replaced .
Mine is ok now except heavy load.
Mine is ok now except heavy load.
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Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 3
From: Nebraska
Thanks guys. I know for a fact the exhaust is free flowing. 
No MAF sensor. I don't think it's running hot, but I think I will try a new Motorcraft thermostat as I need to replace the gasket anyway. I will try Seafoam too. I've never really had much faith in those type of products, but a lot of people say that Seafoam does work. If that doesn't work, I guess the timing goes down. 
I just hate doing that as a patch for a problem.
No MAF sensor. I don't think it's running hot, but I think I will try a new Motorcraft thermostat as I need to replace the gasket anyway. I will try Seafoam too. I've never really had much faith in those type of products, but a lot of people say that Seafoam does work. If that doesn't work, I guess the timing goes down. I just hate doing that as a patch for a problem.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,558
Likes: 45
From: Concord, NC
My truck had a nagging pinging problem until I replaced the intake manifold gaskets due to a coolant leak. I don't know if it would fix the pinging on your truck so I sure don't want to tell you to go through all that work and have it not fix the problem, but if you really get to wits end and the engine develops a coolant leak from the intake manifold, it might be worth a try .
.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Heart of Dixie
Check for vacuum leaks on the intake side. Also check the plastic vacuum lines that run around to the emissions equipment and inside to the AC unit. Mine are all deteriorated and leaking. Some of my gaskets had also failed.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 585
Likes: 11
^ That's the simplest method. Another way is to remove the O2 sensor and screw a nipple into the hole, then attach a pressure gauge and rev the engine. Anything above 2 psi is a a sign of restriction.
I'll also stress the importance of plug wire routing on 5.0 engines. Pay close attention to number 2 & 4 and 7 & 8 which fire consecutively and can cause inductive crossfire. I've seen a handful of 5.0 engines over the years with the number 8 piston destroyed from inductive corssfire, which causes detonation and leads to piston damage.
I'll also stress the importance of plug wire routing on 5.0 engines. Pay close attention to number 2 & 4 and 7 & 8 which fire consecutively and can cause inductive crossfire. I've seen a handful of 5.0 engines over the years with the number 8 piston destroyed from inductive corssfire, which causes detonation and leads to piston damage.