I have read many posts about pinging in the 4.6L engine. I have a theory on what is going on but would like to see if others' symptoms match mine. I like others have used fuel system cleaner (Chevron) that helped short term, but the pinging is now back.

What I want to know from you with 4.6's is...

1. When the pinging occurs (part throttle, wide open throttle, etc.) and RPM when pinging starts.

2. How many miles on the vehicle?

3. Computer code.

4. Does different or higher octane fuel help?


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98 F-150 4X4 Ext Cab ORP 4.6L Superchip, Gibson Cat Back Single exit exhaust, TransGo Performance Shift Kit, K&N Filter. Future: 4.56 gear swap, shorty headers.

[This message has been edited by wschubbe (edited 11-27-1999).]

[This message has been edited by wschubbe (edited 11-27-1999).]

 

Full throttle high rpm only.
24,000
F0U1
yes 93 oct helps but does not solve.

It is much worse now. read the following
I installed a superchip for code FOU1 and it had so much pinging I could not drive it. I removed the chip and the pinging was reduced but not solved. Before the installation of the superchp it did NOT ping on regular 87 and the chip was on for only a day.

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98 SC 4.6L stepside, Gibson headers, Gibson single exhaust, superchip, Intake mods, Piaa's, high end audio stuff.

 

CUJet,

Thanks for the reply, I have the same computer code and your symptoms are the same as mine. I bet that most of these pinging problems will be traced to one or a few computer codes.

I will tell you that I do NOT think the superchip has anything to do with this.

What I am thinking is that it is just a mis-calculation or adjustment or whatever on Fords part with this particular computer while it is in Open Loop Mode (wide open throttle). I am also then guessing that when Superchips burns a chip they are working off the stock fuel, timing, ect. tables and the adjustments are linear ajustments to account for increased octane fuel. Thus, Fords mistake then bears it's ugly head in the Superchip program also. Just a guess, I am sure Mike T. will correct any misinformation.

Next time you get a chance, open it up to WOT and wait for pinging to start, then let off the throttle just a fraction of an inch (keep the RPM up)and the pinging should stop after you are back in Closed Loop Mode. And from what I have learned about Open loop mode, the computer basically stops using the information from the O2 sensors and goes to a basic, make power mode. It has to be either too much timing or a lean condition. I am thinking too lean since the O2 sensors are knocked out of the loop and the fact that higher octane does not solve the problem.

Note that I am only a novice on this subject, I have just started to learn this system, so please correct me if I present anything that looks or sounds suspect. Any one have additional input? Tell me if this sounds like total bunk.

How did your truck respond to the headers? Are you satisified with them? What does your screenname mean?

Sorry for being long winded.
Bill

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98 F-150 4X4 Ext Cab ORP 4.6L Superchip, Gibson Cat Back Single exit exhaust, TransGo Performance Shift Kit, K&N Filter. Future: 4.56 gear swap, shorty headers.

[This message has been edited by wschubbe (edited 11-28-1999).]

 

WS Thank you for the insight. I will try your trick with the throttle and let you know what the results are.
As for the superchip, It most certainly was responsible for the increased pinging in my engine. I have a feeling that the ford computer was partially reprogrammed or learned from the superchip and my truck now has increased ign timing at high rpm. I may not have been clear as to what happened with the chip.
1. truck is totally stock
2. I install chip
3. go for a drive
4. pinging so much it is unbearable
5. I remove chip
6. still pinging like crazy! (not as much though)
7. superchips re-prog my chip
8. I install
9. much better
10. chip's not right in other areas (trans)
11. I remove chip
12. truck runs like stock
13. some minimal pinging remains

I do the headers and ex installation along with intake mods. The truck feels faster but my G-Tech says it is not. I raced a co worker with a 97 supercab and he was a tick faster (a few feet) down the airport road. he is all stock with a 4.6l also. I feel the mods are a waste of money. Unless heads and intake manifold are changed. I would like to suggest to all on the board to read last months mustang and fast fords mag. It is all about the 4.6l and how it does not respond to mods. There are two exceptions to that. mass airflow meter and cats. meter is worth up to 10 hp and cats are worth up to 10 hp. According to MFF mag nothing else helps until heads are changed.

As for my screen name it is the same as my AOL name. It is a contraction of my last name (Cuneo) and my line of work, Jet engines.

Chris

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98 SC 4.6L stepside, Gibson headers, Gibson single exhaust, superchip, Intake mods, Piaa's, high end audio stuff.

 

Was wondering when someone would post a concern about pinging! I've experienced much the same problems with my 97. As you can see from the tagline, I have a 4.6 with the SuperChip & other mods. My computer code is YSL2. I ran the chip for almost 8 months with no problems, then back in August I began to get the horrific pinging. Nothing helped, additives, different gas brands(always ran 93 octane), etc..... After removing chip, pinging almost totally went away. It was almost always under WOT, although I could get it on part throttle uphill,(with the chip installed). Here recently I've experienced "CHECK ENGINE" lights, but no problems with the way the truck feels. Have any ideas? Or solutions?
Also, does anyone know of a code reader for the 97 & up? Dealer wants 69.00 to read the codes and that is ludicrous!


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1997 F-150 SC,4X4 OR,4.6, AODE.BLK. K&N GEN II, GIBSON SUPER TRUCK, SUPERCHIPS, B&M SHIFT CONTROL.

 

CUJet,

Sorry to hear that you have been disappointed with the results of the mods on your truck. The thing that you have to remember is that when you go for these 10-30 HP mods, you probably are not going to feel the effects, you may only see the effect on the strip in the form of SLIGHTLY better times (a tenth or two at a time). I have come to the conclusion that these little "Chicken S**t" mods are not worth it unless you have the money to go for the big ones also.

I am NO expert on the Superchip, but you may be correct. What you experienced with your is most likely a function of the EEC's adaptive logic (as if computers have logic). The computer actually analyzes your driving habits and the engine's parameters then "remembers" these things in what is called KAM (keep alive memory). It seems that you can clear this by turning on your headlights and then disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes. Worth a try if you have not done it yet. Also, when you reconnect (do it at the airport) start it up, then drive the **** out of it, stop idle for a minute or two then do it again (repeat 5 times). You should notice a difference in the performance.

If you really want huge performance, go with a supercharger and new gears.


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98 F-150 4X4 Ext Cab ORP 4.6L Superchip, Gibson Cat Back Single exit exhaust, TransGo Performance Shift Kit, K&N Filter. Future: 4.56 gear swap, shorty headers.

 

LAPEMPLOYEE,

Could be dirty valves or injectors you can try some of that Chevron Fuel Injector cleaner (do not dilute too much). Failing that your superchip may be a little too aggressive or the fuel you are buying may not be up to snuff. I would first try buying some good fuel (if you do not already). Try either Texaco Premium (91 octane) or Amaco (93 octane if memory serves correct).

If the fuel does not work, call superchip and they can "burn" a less aggressive program for you.

You can get the codes out of the computer yourself. Go to the local library and get into the Haynes manual and look for the Tune Up & Performance section. It will explain how to get the codes using an analog Voltmeter via the diagnostic connector on your truck. Your check engine light has not been on has it?


Bill

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98 F-150 4X4 Ext Cab ORP 4.6L Superchip, Gibson Cat Back Single exit exhaust, TransGo Performance Shift Kit, K&N Filter. Future: 4.56 gear swap, shorty headers.

[This message has been edited by wschubbe (edited 11-30-1999).]