94 w/4.0 Running Temp ?

[Ballistik]

I have a 94 Ranger w/4.0 and I have been having a problem with spark knock. When I take the MAF and clean it it goes away for about 2-300 miles and then comes back. But I have noticed that my temp gauge does not go up very high. Only to the second dash before the N on normal. It heats up quickly and I get plenty of heat. I am just wondering if it is running at normal temp and if not could this be causing the spark nock?

 

[Stranger ranger]

no sir that has absolutely nothing to do with your spark knock. If your worried about the operating temp, buy an aftermarket gauge, but they all read low for some odd reason.

 

[AaronC47]

Spark Knock

Usually when you are getting the knocking and pinging it is from timing being off or engine temp to high and that along with other factors create the knocking or pinging, and since these engines have no distributor to adjust timing,, This is what Haynes manual says about knocking and pinging under load -

1) Incorrect grade of fuel (or cheap gas too)
2) Ignition timing incorrect ( that would mean timing belt or gear needs attention)
3)Carbon build up in combustion chambers, Remove cylinder head(s) and clean combustion chamber(s).
4) Incorrect Spark Plugs (<---- I would check first myself)
5) Fuel injection or engine control systems Malfunction
6) Restricted exhaust system

NOT In Book I just added it ---> (Make sure engine is able to get air, start it up and place hand at exhaust to check for exhaust flow, that and plugs by far the easiest to check first)

 

[Ballistik]

Thanks guys . I changed pulgs first thing and not change. The old plugs didnt look to bad nice and brown. I have tried to run mid grade with no success but I have noticed when I added injector cleaner it did get a little better. THe knock only seems to get bad at about 2500-3300 RPM or with a load when I pull my boat.

 

[Stranger ranger]

do this before anything else,
buy mass air flow cleaner AND CLEAN IT.
done deal. if that doesn't solve your problem its a lower intake gasket failure. 99% of the time.