Hey All,

I have a 2010 5.4 with a custom SCT tune and have a strange pinging problem that I don't think is timing related.

I have bought tunes from VMP and 5 Star in approx 8 configurations and cannot get rid of the sound. They have tried retarding the timing etc... to no avail.

The pinging is most noticeable after the truck warms up and also in the lower RPM range like right after it shifts and I feather the gas a bit. I've also noticed that it is less noticeable at higher elevation.

It has been suggested to me that it could be a VCT solenoid problem. Below is a quote that I received from another member

"Well, I unplugged both VCT solenoids with the tune installed and the sound completed disappears. Test drove the truck with no sound- although it lacked power from the cams being stuck fully retarded. So I took a step further and swapped solenoids with a buddies truck and the problem was corrected.
The solenoids are pulse width from 0-100%, so most likely mine weren't operating at full Span, but not enough to set any engine codes but became more prevalent with the tuner."

What do you guys think? I'm thinking I should try to unplug the VCTs and see if it helps???? Does anyone know where they're located?

Any other ideas?

Thanks,

-Jeff

 

Has either one of the tuners asked you to datalog, and include the VCT PIDs?

CAMDCR 16CF Commanded Duty Cycle for VCT Solenoid %
CAMERRR 16CE VCT Error in Crankshaft Degrees DEGREES
VCTA 16B1 b6 VCT Control Circuit Monitor ON/OFF
VCTENA 16B1 b5 Conditions Correct to Enable VCT YES/NO

If not, you should ask them if this is helpful.

FWIW - datalog review is included in the price of yer package with VMP.

Here's how: http://www.vmptuning.com/forum/showthread.php?t=78

More info here: http://www.vmptuning.com/forum/

Here's the solenoid - one per side:

*EDIT* - this pitcher be HUGE, so I just linked to it:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...T_solenoid.jpg

Another view:



MGD

 

Does the pinging go away if you use premium gas? What octane are your tunes?

 

MGD,

I have not discussed doing data logging with either vender. It might be helpful for me and the vender to have this info for future diagnoses.

They do not look very hard to disconnect and test. Thank you for the pictures.

Does my theory about the solenoid being the problem make any sense to you?

-Jeff

 

I've tried about every combination of octane gas with a 87, 89 and 91 octane tune. I've tried running 91 octane with the 87 tune. Nothing works.

Both venders have tried numerous versions of the 87 tune and they all result in the same pinging sound.

-Jeff

 

Maybe a stupid question, does it do it with the factory tune ?

 

Jeff;

Well, it sounds plausible - certainly, doing this will affect cylinder filling and pressures at the the rpms in question to a degree. Enough to be a factor, or a definitive indicator? I don't know.

Costs nothing to try, though.

I'd relay this info (and results) to the tuner for comment. Those PID's were just a suggestion on my part to offer a 'window' into what is going on VCT-wise with the tuning loaded.

Heck - you could even log these events yourself - both with the stock tune and custom, and compare the data. All you need is Livelink - and Excel, lol.

MGD

 

Not a dumb question at all. I can't really remember the symptoms when stock. I believe they were there at a very low level and the tunes made it more pronounced.

I'm going to unplug the vct's this weekend and test the theory.

I'm also going to return it to stock and see what that does.

 

Update, unplugged both VCT's today and pinging sound went away completely.

Looks like I now need to replace them.

Does anyone have a part number for the solenoid and gasket and a suggestion on where to buy? Would TASCA carry a part like this or do I go to my dealer?

Thanks,

-Jeff

 

Thanks for the update!

I have not looked - but check RockAuto, perhaps?

Tasca should have these as well ...

Good luck

MGD

 

i have a 2011 ford expedition and with a sct tune loaded, my engine seems to be making some sort of pinging noise, or atleast lifter noises,

i do not believe i had the problem with the stock tune or superchips tune, i run the 93 octane performance tune.

 

Does it still ping if you run a lower octane tune or return it to stock?

 

Try unplugging the vct solenoids and see if it goes away. Simple test to try.

-Jeff

 

So what's the verdict with this cause I have the pinging noise as well. How hard is it to replace the solenoid?

 

And no noise when in stock mode