I've got a '98 RegCab with a 4.6L V8/Auto - I used to get some pinging / pre-detonation that started around 30,000 miles with 87 octance gas. (Wouldn't do it all the time, but periodically.) Somewhere around 50,000 miles I began useing 89 octane gas which has corrected my problem about 95% of the time. (Every now and then under full throttle i'll still notice it a little bit.) I have read thru several messages on this site on pinging and have noticed that several people with severe pinging have replaced or cleaned there mass aif flow and dpfe sensors to correct this problem (a few even went as far as to replace the egr valve.) My question is if useing 89 octance gas has correct the problem for the most part is this problem even worth worrying about? (If the maf/dpfe sensor was the problem, would it be much worse?)

Thanks in advance guys...

Chris

 

The owner's manual (Ford's) says slight pinging under acceleration or load is common and fine. I wouldn't like it either though. I have a Superchip and run premium fuel mine has 56,000 miles on it with nothing done to the sensors. I get no pinging at all. Try a different brand of fuel, that's the only suggestion I have besides running premium fuel.

 

Hi Chris

I've got the same situation as you. 98 4.6L with the pinging that started around 30,000. I've also found using a higher octane gas helps but doesn't eliminate the problem. Any ideas on why this is happening? or how to eliminate this pinging would be apreciated?

Thanks,

Mark