Dreaded pinging!

[ProPhotog]

The wife's Explorer was decarbed last year because of a serious pinging under acceleration of any type. On the highway the check engine light would come on if you tried to speed up. Anyway, the pinging never went away, I did a spark plug change on it and driveability is a little bit better. Then I got pissed and the kitty is now straight through. It runs a heck of alot better now, but the pinging is still there, although it's not as bad as it once was. Any ideas on why it's pinging and how to fix it? Thanks!

 

[Alec]

Have you cleaned the MAS? Also, something to try is a computer reset. Can't hurt.

Good luck!

Search the site for much info on both suggestions.

 

[88vert]

Try tightning the intake bolts down,if they are loose it helped my 92.Do a search on the subject it has been posted tons of times

 

[ProPhotog]

Hey...passing this along! I got home tonight, popped the hood and tightened the damn intake manifold bolts on the pass side. THEY WERE LOOSE! I had a good two full turns before they finally torqued. The pinging isn't as bad but it still pings. Anyway...the three plugs on that side were BLACK. So I will replace the intake gaskets soon. more later.

 

[ProPhotog]

Oh and I cleaned the filament on the MAF...or MAS and it was covered in black carbon. Not now! Made a helluva difference in the way it runs. SO while i had the carb cleaner out I yanked the IAC and soaked it. Now the ex starts right up and doesn't seem to be hard-starting anymore. YEE HAW! I'm sure the wife will find something else to gripe about now that her ex runs like a new one, well, almost.