5.4L 2WD, with 83,000 miles and new fuel filter

My SCREW is knocking when accelerating. It has also been rough starting of a morning. There is no CEL or anything else. I am running some fuel injection cleaner through my fuel system right now. If I'm not throwing a code is it possible that i'm just using sub-par fuel? I plan to get fuel from Chevron next tank. I currently get fuel on my military base, which has the cheapest rate around.

Thanks in advance.

 

Fuel is the most likely culprit, and it is easy to find out if that is the problem by switching sources and trying a higher octane. I'd do both - just fill up with premium at a name-brand station next time and see if the problem goes away.

FWIW, if the motor is running too hot, it can be more likely to ping. So if it turns out not to be the fuel, make sure your cooling system is working like it should.

 

If the engine is chattering (knocking) while accelerating, your fuel octane is not enough and most likely your timing needs to be adjusted. (advanced)

 

Thank you guys!