so at about 3500 rpm i get this clicking coming from under the hood. My dad refered to it as "spark knock" whether that is accurate or not i have no clue. But he suggested putting higher octane fuel in, it stoped, but with gas prices now i can't do that all the time. So its back, any suggestions? Everything is stock right now. I have plans for k&n intake, and cat-back eventually... still looking at all my options as far as upgrades go.

 

Use the keyword "ping" or "Pinging" in a search. You'll learn a LOT.

 

i did some searching. I saw a couple of threads mentioning Sea Foam. Would you suggest this?

 

welcome to life with a vulcan 3.0 engine

 

If higher octane gas fixed it, try a 180 degree thermostat. It's cheap. Get a new gasket too.

I firmly believe that is what cured mine. Some mention different spark plugs. I'd stick with Autolite or Motorcraft, personally.

 

you can also retard your timing

 

His is a 2002, so it'd be hard to alter timing.

 

^yes that would be a little bit hard
sorry

 

what does changing the Thermostat do?

It magically stopped, i haven't heard in the past few days. I think i might of got some bad fuel. Thanks though for everything. If it picks back up, i will try a few things mentioned

 

well today it came back, worse than normal, on my way to work. It starts around 2k rpms, i don't usually push my truck much pass 3k anyway(tryin to save on gas). I am planning on changing out the thermostat this weekend. Any tips on doing this?

 

HI ME ME, located in HERE HERE... it sometimes is nice to know your general location
for advice... ie living in alaska a 180 t-stat isnt necessary.. but in texas its perfectly
fine.

Rand

japanoak japanoak is offline
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Name: me me
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some personal information i don't care to post on the internet, sorry. I live in Arizona and my name is Dan, i would rather not share more than that.

Japanoak- i read it on an old drumstick of mine, Pro-mark 5b Japan Oak. I now use Vic Firth 5a hickory sticks... for those drummers out there. If there are any.

Summers here can easily reach 120*, What does changing the Themostat from 190*(stock) to 180* do? I assume it turns the cooling system on sooner?

 

It definitely sounds like a spark knock... Basically, your engine is running too hot, and your fuel partially explodes before the spark plug ignites. Can be bad for the engine if it's really loud(bad), or over a prolonged period. To stop it, you can sometimes lower your thermostat temp (180deg like they said above) which will start flowing water through your engine at a lower temp. or your can have a dealer flash (or reload) your ECM programming to retard the timing. The later worked on my truck, but I have the 4.0L. I'd try the thermostat first, then try taking it into the dealer if it fails. They will probably charge you since most likely your out of warrenty.

BTW, Octane basically raises the flashpoint of fuel. So the more octane, the more pressure and heat it can take before it flashes. That's why higher compression engines require higher octane. Some chemistry law equates pressure increase to temp increase... Can't remember off-hand what the name of it is though. Oh, and an increase in your timing makes the gas compress more before the spark plug ignites, hence more pressure/heat and possibly spark knock/pre-detenation.

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i will go to autozone or pepboys later today and pick up a 180* thermostat. Which thermostat should i buy? Are there different sizes and such? i've never done this... tutorial?

Yeah, my waranty is gone... will flashing the ECM be expiencive?

 

i haven't had time to fix it permanently. But i did find a temporary fix... i baught Tool's new cd

i relize its probably not a good idea to just ignore it... school is out this week. maybe i can fix it after finals and stuff.