I changed my oil today. It was completely black. The dipstick didn't look THAT dirty.

 

What is a octane adjust bar and where is it located? How do you remove it to get a 3 degree retard on timing?

I have a 5.4 and have pinging when I step on it at mid ranges.

 

Have you checked the operation of the knock sensor???? If its not working correctly, the PCM cant control advance correctly. Generally when the knock sensor detects a knock, the PCM retards about 4 degrees. Get yourself a timing light or a NGS and tap on the block with a hammer with the engine running and see if the timming retards, if it does, then thats not the problem.

Hope it works for you.

------------------
Max
'99.5 F-250 SD PSD CC Lariat SB
I 'Still' Love This truck

 

It's located in a harness near the cowl, close to the pass side front fender. it looks like the spout connector.

If you expect to spank a CRX, then bypass this step. No kidding.

I'm with BIG RED.

On mine, either the KS circuit is inop, or the system is not as responsive as GM's old CCC (hard to believe). You should be able to feel the timing retard when a knock is detected. I thought of that, and kept it on the floor, pinging like crazy. It did not retard to my expectations. More diagnosis required. I will not know for sure until I use a flight recorder and see the graphs.

The hammer trick may or may not work. Reasoning- A light ping may still not be detected. In theory, this trick works.

------------------
'98 4.6 5-sp F-150
We've come for your Tundra.

Where we started.
http://www.mcmullenargus.com/gallery...ge=1165&pub=12
After a facelift.
http://www.zing.com/picture/ff/e9/b5...d.jpg.orig.jpg
trixters-playground@excite.com
www.truckinweb.com




[This message has been edited by crash1 (edited 01-04-2000).]

 

So what you are saying is that there is some type of listening device on these engines that detects engine knock? Sounds kind of 1950's doesn't it? I mean, you would think that the 02 sensors could measure it more precisley than a listening device!

Also, how often have you seen these sensors "go out?" It would stand to reason that if this little device detected knock when it really wasn't there you could lose power without ever seeing a trouble code.

 

What do you suppose caused the apparent carbon build-up in my engine at 65k miles? I bought it with 50k. I've almost always used Amoco gas, and I use Valvoline 5W30 recommended by my neighbor who is a Ford Mechanic. another mechanic at work says "use Havoline". I think I'll try synthetic. Is this problem highly unusual for my mileage?

------------------
White 97 XLT SC 4.6, 4X4, 3.55ls, tow pkg, long bed, Rhino liner, Owens running boards

 

My only guess is the previous owner didn't do much long distance driving and probably babied it too. Carbon buildup usually happens in vehicles that do a lot of short runs.

 

Oops, sounds like my truck, Dennis. I was at school in Fl for 7 weeks and my wife used the truck; mainly for short 1/2 mile trips to the barn. Thanks for your help.

------------------
White 97 XLT SC 4.6, 4X4, 3.55ls, tow pkg, long bed, Rhino liner, Owens running boards

 

MOVEOVER-- since that Pinging problem you had hows that truck doing now?

------------------
97 F-150 4.6 auto, 4x2, 3.55 LS, WMS Velocity tube, K&N, Dynomax Super Turbo exhaust with Echo tube.
Oh yeah, it's Oxford White with crome wheels, Legacy shell & custom grill!

 

mlaugh, It runs great and it now has 71k miles. That oil treatment with Techron is awesome. Truck only needed the one dose. Might even be good as a preventive measure.

My engine actually has more power than I need. I couldn't ask for a better truck; just better mileage

------------------
White 97 XLT SC 4.6, 4X4, 3.55ls, door cracks, tow pkg, long bed, Rhino liner, Owens running boards

 

I'v tryed over 35 bottles of Chevron Techron and it still PINGS! The truck has done it from day-one (well 2500mile on it - was nice for brake in). Ok, yes I now haul a$$. But just down shifting on the hwy from 5th too 3rd and step on it... @ 3500rpm and higher it pings. Man it's like ping-pong ball flying out of the motor. The Dealers just - Do not Hear It. Or, say that I'm to hard on the gas. Even in 5th, just going 60mph if you go up a hill or turn the AC on it pings.
Now I see the post about the knock senser. Should I check it or tell the dealer to. Oh, on tht octane bar, were is that ?

Yes I must run 93, but some times it ping on that. Differs on gas companys. Tex and Chevron are the only two I use. Any Help Please...

----------------------------------

97 f150 4.6 5sp white flare-side.

 

Moveover, My 4.6 has done this too,and it sounds horrific. I changed the plugs to Bosch +4's and that helped a bit and it sure cleaned up the idling, but I've concluded that this is strictly a fuel quality problem. I went on a trip at X-mas and on the way home my engine sounded like a diesel everytime I passed someone. Once I got home and topped up with mid-grade that I knew was reliable, the acceleration was clean and strong as could be. Now that you added this additive and switched fuel,I don't doubt that the problem disappeared.