All stock 4L

106,000 miles

I'm getting a pinging associated with detonation. Is this a charecteristic of this motor in stock trim?

It's not the fuel quality because I've used several different gas stations to fill up.

I run 87 octane.

It did it before a tune up (which was a real byotch, BTW) and still does it now.

No engine light, runs fine with regards to the noises...no power loss, etc.

Fuel economy is fine.

Only happens at about 1/2 throttle in the 2500 to 3500-ish range.

Seems to go away after operating for about an hour or more.

I am open to suggestions as I will be taking it down to VIR soon with a trailer and really don't want to blow up on the way there or back.

TIA

 

Pinging usually happens more at low RPMs under load.Have you tried a tank of 89 octane through it ? You could try half a can of Seafoam through the brake booster line first to see if it helps Although this sounds more like timing chain rattle.

 

Like stated above, try 89 octane. Have you cleaned your throttle body over the years? Have you used top end cleaner over the years. Detonation can come from carbon inside the cylinder.

 

The easy solution to find out if it's really pinging is to use a higher octane fuel. This will at least rule out other possibilities.

Try some 92-93 octane to start with.

If it does'nt go away, look for loose plugs. If it does go away you need a complete induction cleaning. Clean the TB and then run either a professional cleaner through it or (I'd suggest) put 2 full bottles on Chevron **w/techron** cleaner with a tank of shell 93 "V-Power".

Some guys say to use sea-foam.. I've never tried it and can't really comment about it's effectiveness.


btw, Are the plugs within stock heat range?


Rich

 

couldn't have said it better myself....

Seafoam works pretty good for upper end cleaner.....

 

Thanks for the guidance all!

It sounds like it's a TB clean but it's the first time I've heard of a dirty TB being related to the detonation.

I'm coming over from Hondas, Subarus and the like so this Ranger is all very new to me.

I've had this truck only about 5 months now so I'm still pretty new to it.

wydopnthrtl- The plugs are factory heat range and are all tight. I recently did plugs and wires so I know it's all good in that dept.

Since I use Seafoam in the bikes, I'll likely give that and a tank of 93 a whirl and see where it goes from there.

So it sounds like I don't have to diassemble the TB to clean it?? Just add treatment into fuel and/ or booster lines?

 

The cleaners will only clean from the injectors and downstream. The TB needs attention considering your milage. In my experience fords in particular seem to gunk up more than some other brands. You don't need to take it off.. just use some TB cleaner and a toothbrush. It'll all emulsify and run out doing it that way.

btw, I did'nt mean to leave the impression that a TB would cause it. I don't think it would. More than likely it's carbon buildup in the combustion chamber.

btw2, Pull at least one plug wire and just make sure it's still torqued properly. I've seen them come loose if only snugged or if done when the motor was hot. Hot motor torque retention vs cold motor is not the same.

Rich

 

Yeah, this truck in general needs some attention. Diff fluids, coolant flush and brake fluid are about the last things on the list.



The motor was stone cold when I did the plugs and wires but I'll <reluctantly> check them out to be sure....better to be safe than sorry, right?

So, some kind of fuel treatment with 89 or better, check plugs and a TB clean.

Anything else issue-related (or not) while I'm in there?

 

Figure I'll give an update to my original question, the answer was indeed Seafoam in the brake booster.

Did half a can a few weeks ago (yes, almost 2 years after the fact) and the improvement was instantly noticable. The detonation is now barely audible and I'll be performing another treatment this weekend to clear this issue completely.

 

Sounds like carbon build up.

As it builds on the intake valve the fuel does not stay as well atomized as it should. And with carbon buildup in the combustion chamber you get hot spots. As well as increased compression ratios.

Clean it several more times and it should go away.

btw, I use a fill up with shell / V-power fuel and two large cans (for 20gal) of cheveron with **techron** to clean my engines. I do that about once a yr.

Rich