Pinging (detonatioN)
#1
Pinging (detonatioN)
96 Cougar, 4.6 l v8, 88k Miles, fairley pamapered maintenace, but has a problem.
Seems like it starts to ping AFTER getting to normal operating temperature. I cleaned the MAF sensor, it has MOTOCRAFT 32 P (platinum) plugs ( the correct heat range), MOTRORRAFT 8 mm wires, etc. Thge car runs fine and starts to ping once it is at normal operating temp. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Tony
Seems like it starts to ping AFTER getting to normal operating temperature. I cleaned the MAF sensor, it has MOTOCRAFT 32 P (platinum) plugs ( the correct heat range), MOTRORRAFT 8 mm wires, etc. Thge car runs fine and starts to ping once it is at normal operating temp. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Tony
#3
You also need to determine if your EGR is working proberly. Those 4.6's are notorious for plugging the EGR passage in the throttle body. You can find out by momentarily grounding the trigger wire at the EGR solonoid while the engine is idling. The idle should drop drastically and nearly stall. If this doesn't happen, you'll have to determine whether it's the valve or the passage. If that test works OK, you could still have a problem with the PFE which generally takes a scan tool to monitor, Ford has a lot of problem with those also. All these things usually set a code though. Are you getting a "check engine" light?
#4
Egr was the first thing to come to mind because of the mileage.
But there was no mention of a check eng lite. OBD II cars should set a light in a heartbeat for reduced EGR flow.
But there was no mention of a check eng lite. OBD II cars should set a light in a heartbeat for reduced EGR flow.
#5
one other thing....don't forget oil consumption.
i know what to look for first when a dodge V8/V6 comes in with a bad pinging complaint. the bottom of the intake is leaking oil internally and burning it. they ping BAD, after it warms up.
not sure if this is possible with this style engine, but something to keep in mind.
i know what to look for first when a dodge V8/V6 comes in with a bad pinging complaint. the bottom of the intake is leaking oil internally and burning it. they ping BAD, after it warms up.
not sure if this is possible with this style engine, but something to keep in mind.
#7
Thanks!
Thanks for the suggestions. The engine does not throw a CEL. Oil consumption is nil as it goes 3K without a measuresable loss. I think I'll try the top engine cleaner first. Since the previous owner (a lady friend) drove the car about five miles a day for three years back and forth to work locally, it may have a carbon build up on the top of the pistons. If that doesnt work, I'll look into the EGR system.
Tony
Tony
#9
I'll check in later this week as I put the "red and white " additive in today. Although I added it to the gas, I plan on adding another dose into the manifold through the vaccuum system to get at the piston tops.
Tony
Tony
#10
Anything added to the gas tank will only be strong enough to act as a preventative. You have to send it through the intake to see any immediate results. Another method that is a little risky is to slowly drip water down the intake while the engine is at 2000 RPMs. I stress SLOWLY. A turkey baster works well.
#11
engine pinging
I'm not familiar with your engine, but am very familiar with engine pinging. I dropped 305 chevy engine ( from 1/2ton chevy 4x4 P/U 1980 model) into my Jeep Comanche 31/2 yrs ago. I was driven nuts by engine pinging, and tried numerous solutions, to no avail. Finally, the chap who helped me to do the engine installation, suggested that I switch to a higher octane gas. Presto, the pinging disappeared and hasn't returned since. One of the many mysteries in this mechanical world.
#12
Wow! what and idea.
Although that will always help, it shouldn't be necessary in today's engines. They have plenty of technology and systems to prevent that. There is another problem there somewhere.
Although that will always help, it shouldn't be necessary in today's engines. They have plenty of technology and systems to prevent that. There is another problem there somewhere.
#13
Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: North Texas
Posts: 2,309
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Water
I have done the water thru the carb with good results.But to thermal shock the carbon on top of the pistons is risky if you do it use hot water.Go slow and use water a little at a time.Also I claim no responsibly for if any damage happens.
#14
Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Posts: 245
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Ford had a service bulletin on some calibrations with the 4.6 engine and the mass air flow sensors(not sure if it applies to yours).The first step was while roadtesting and the vehicles warmed up enough and you can hear the ping(spark knock) pull over and disconnect the electrical connector of the mass air flow sensor- drive a short distance with it disconnected to see if concern is gone.If it goes away then replace the sensor( i realize you said you cleaned it but you might try this simple test just to make sure).