Detonation at acceleration and weird problem
 

Newbie here, thank you in advance for any help!

I have a couple of issues with my 1999 Ranger 2.5, manual trans..

1. When accelerating from about 35 on up, I get a lot of PING, that won't go away regardless of which grade of fuel I use. Can anyone shed some light on possible problems/fixes? Engine just passed smog, and there have been no codes.

2. Recently, I heard a loud "snapping" noise, as if a belt broke. At the same time it sounded like a fragment of a belt was spinning around and banging on stuff in side the engine compartment. This ALL stopped within about 10 seconds. I was traveling on the Highway at about 65 mph. Upon stopping the engine was idling rough and died. The rough idle continued for a few more starts, and is now gone as well.

This is BAFFLING me, because I thought it was a timing belt failure. I just replaced the Timing Belt, Serpentine Belt, Water Pump.

Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated..

timing could be slightly off or you could have some carbon buildup in your cylinders

I will re check the timing. It was, however timed, when they replaced the Timing Chain. I realize they could have reinstalled it wrong as well. I've wondered if maybe if everything might be off one notch on the belt, BUT I have also been told it would "throw" codes if so.
I don't know.. ..but it's been frustrating, especially the detonation problem. Most engines simply bog down. The noise causes a bit of anxiety, knowing it's probably not good for the engine...


IN RE: The CARBON:
Is there a solution for that, that doesn't involve disassembling?
Carburetor cleaner in the intake for example?

Search motorcraft PM-3 for this concern. i have done a write up on it and recommended it to alot of owners for carbon build up concerns

Tried the Motorcraft PM-3, but it seems things are getting worse lately!
I have a "cylinder 3 misfire", and Serious trouble with idling lately as well.
No power, especially when accelerating up hill.
IAC valve seems ok when unplugging, the engine starts to quit. When plugging it right back, it revs up and then stabilizes. The idle however, is barely there, and many times it dies when coming to a stop.
Cleaned MAF as well.

might have fouled your plugs using that PM-3 stuff...pull the plugs and see what they look like...have they ever been changed to the best of your knowledge?

I think it's time for the plugs. Seems the more I do to get it running better, the worse it runs!
I will check the plugs and see what they look like..

The Cylinder 3 misfire was caused by the "tech" that replaced my timing belt. He must have pulled #3 wire loose from the coil pack. The boot was attached but not pushed completely down to create metal to metal contact. This solved the misfire issue.

Sometimes I really wonder if they do this stuff on purpose..

sometimes its the simplest things...but anytime you use seafoam or that motorcraft stuff its a good idea to change the plugs

[..simplest things..]

That's for sure! I will be changing out the plugs today or tomorrow. It looks like the only "easy" way to change out the ignition plugs (2.5L) is to remove the intake..
Clearly, the engineers who design these engines never get under a vehicle's hood..