2001 SOHC Pinging issues, no codes

[92yamaha]

Hey, I have a 2001 with the SOHC. When ever the thing is under a slight load, especially when the throttle is as far down as possible before a down shift, it pings like hell. It has 130k on it and has been doing it since 109k, that is when I purchased it. I cannot pull codes, however I used a cheap scanner. I tried better gas, I also ran small amounts of water through the intake to clean out carbon. I have done that at least five times until it starts to misfire. The engine does not smoke or leak, all the miles where highway and it runs like a champ otherwise.

Is this typical? I build engines all the time, but this is the first fuel injection I have ever owned. The O2 sensors where changed at 80 or 90k like they should, the plugs are new as of 10k ago. I installed Autolite double platnum, and the wires are new as of 2003 at about 50k, as far as I know.

If I shove my foot to the floor, there is no pinging at all, just under a load without a down shift. Thanks!

 

[Explorin94]

Use the higher actane gas for a longer period of time. Or put a half a can of teh 104 octane boost in and see what that does on a full tank of gas. I know you said you just replces the plugs about 10,000 miles ago. Take them back out and close the gap to see what that does.

 

[92yamaha]

I failed to mention too that since I purchased it I have ran about 8 bottles of Chevron with Techron trough it as well as 2 cans of BG 44k. I may try the spark plug idea though.

 

[gw33gp]

Does it have an EGR system. If not, Ford tunes them on the lean side. That can result in pinging under certain conditions. I had an 89 with no EGR and it would ping a lot under load especially if the weather was hot and dry.

If it does have and EGR system, make sure it is working correctly and check for any vacuum leaks. I have also heard that synthetic oil may help reduce pinging. Other than that, have the timing checked to see if it is correct.

I don't know if the 01 had a knock sensor to retard the timing. If it does maybe that is not functioning properly. I can't think of anything else right now but that should be enough to think about.

 

[rkyroadrcr]

pinging

When I bought my '01 4 years ago I thought it was pinging. Whenever I gave it a little too much gas it rattled (sounded just like pinging). I took it to the dealership and had to have timing chain or something like that replaced. It's been a while, but it was something like that.