engine rattle/pinging on V8

[Xplor]

Hey guys, I have a '00 V8 with little over 10k on it. The only mod I've done is the K&N drop in. I looked in the search area for this and turned out mostly on V6s. Here's the problem, the truck runs fine on highway speed (70 mph), but when I am fixing to go over a hill or a interstate overpass I hear a rattle noise from the engine. I tried severval brands of gas and octane( I use Amoco mostly). I run usually on 93 premium. I also use Mobil 1 oil. What should I do? Think the Mass Sensor could be the factor...even with 10k? What about the Mobil 1?...can the better flow of synthetic oil cause the internal parts to make rattling/pinging noises? Need some feedback or opinions with you V8 guys who are having the same problem

 

[blk mk8]

take it to the dealer. the trucks have a lot of problems with pinging.

 

[Xplor]

I am going to take it back to the dealer definately, but any ideas for this problem on the V8? Keep the replys coming.

 

[jjue]

According to my roommate who's a Mustang guy, he said that Fords have a tendency to ping at WOT (wide-open throttle) because of 1) a conspiracy with gas companies and 2) the timing is advanced a little more than necessary to improve fuel economy and help with in-town driving. I don't know how much of this theory is true, but it can seem logical. Since we have the distributorless ignition systems, you can try to either adjust the crank sensor to try to trick the computer into backing down the timing a tad. We discovered that my timing was advanced 21 degrees one night, but I never got around to playing with it. I'm planning on buying the Hypertech Power Programmer III for the '97 Explorer/Mountaineer V8 whenever someone will carry it. I just learned the other day that Hypertech finally come out with it.

However, since you are in warranty, demand that the computer be reprogrammed. Don't take "put 89 in it" for
the answer to your problem since that is a bunch of BS.

 

[Xplor]

jjue, Hypertech really coming out with the power programmer III??? I never thought they would make these for our trucks. I seen them in the explorer express catalog, but I've called Hypertech directly before and got no answer about having them for the explorer. I would definately love to get my hands on one when they make them. Anyways, as you mention about adjusting crank sensor, where abouts is that located at?? I didn't know you can change the timing on these engine, since the timing is none adjustable with today's high tech engines. I'll look into that. Thanks for your reply.

 

[zensius]

I don't think there is anyway to change the timing without a chip. Take it to the dealer.

 

[RobertPhilbeck]

Same truck same problem

I've got a 2000 V8 with 10k on the clock, and I have the same problem. Thanks for the post, and advice. One thing though. Im taking mine to the dealer. The dealer I bought it from is to far away though, and I have a dealer right around the corner. Would I get any hassles for taking it for service there since i didnt buy it there?

Thanks,
Robert

 

[jjue]

On the programmer, http://www.hypertech-inc.com says that Hypertech has it as a new release.

On the crank trigger, that was a suggestion by my roommate, but I never tried it since I never got around to it. I haven't been to the track since October.

I can tell you that I have already tried to adjust the cam sensor without any luck, so who knows on that. That's why I'm waiting for the PP III to come out.

 

[Xplor]

Robert..I don't take mine to the dealer from I bought it from because its far from me too. It doesn't matter what Ford dealer you brought it from, they can service the truck. I take it to the closest one from my house and I like their service area, since I can see what they are doing to my truck. Let me know when you take your truck there and tell me what they told ya about the problem.

jjue...I just seen the hypertech web site. let me know how that power programmer works for you when you order it. I don't think they have one for my year of make. They listed only listed 96-98s. Mine's a '00..bummer!

 

[TPLYNCH]

The only problem you might run into bringing it to a different dealer is if you need a loaner car. Only the dealer you bought it from can give you a loaner (if they'll give one at all!)

 

[Troll]

You can not adjust the timing on the V8 explorer with out a chip or an MSD-DIS4. Do not adjust the crank sensor it will not do anything. If you take it to the dealer they can adjust the computer to fix the problem. The one problem with that is you may not be able to put a chip on the car after they adjust your computer. I had a friend who had his computer fixed by Ford, then he tried to put a chip on it and none of them would work. He eventually had to buy a new computer to get a chip to work with his car. Somehow when they mess with the computer it is like putting a hole new computer code on the computer and the chip companies do not have those codes so they can not mess with them. If you plan on doing any performance mods to the car latter then have them replace the computer not just adjust it or you will just end up buying a new computer latter on. There is something inherently wrong with the programing on the V8 explorers, my explorer did it too but as you all know I figured a way around the horrible explorer computer and distributor less ignition system. I got rid of it all and went back to a 93 mustang computer and harness. I really think Ford needs a recall because too many of us have had this problem and you all are not crazy enough to do what I did.
Troll

 

[Tekeman]

What can I do to get my 5 liter to sound throaty like a mustang? I sounds a whole lot more like a Powerstroke knocking and pinging. It really pisses me off and sounds like crap. I put in a tank of super unleaded and some octane boost. Will the help at all? What causes this and how do others fix it. It sounds more engine than exhaust. Is it any of my mods? or not enough mods or not the right ones. Computer, valves? Ideas? Thanks guys.

 

[Xplor]

Troll, thanks for the advice. Oh, I am coming down to Miami soon. Do you know where your brother bought the HID's lights for your truck? I would like to get a hold of them. How much were they? And how are they working for you now?

Tekeman, I notice you have the Superchip. How do you really like it? I still trying to decided if I wanna go for it. My previous explorer('92) had the JET chip and I didn't notice much of an improvement. Do you use premium all the time? Seems from your reply that you don't. I thought Superchip requires premium with the chip, correct me if am wrong.

 

[Tekeman]

I like the chip when it worked. I didn't really see any difference between gas grades, it ran the same I thought. Now with the OBD upgrade and FMS headers i can't use the chip. Its a shame for now, cause it really makes the thing jump.

 

[Tekeman]

I was told by a knowledgable ford engine guy that my computer might be fried and i'm atually getting detonation. Who should be responsible for this problem. Ford told me to get an upgrade, which i did. Superchips gave me a chip thAT was supposed to work. Could the chip have permanantly messed up my program. People have me scared to drive it, burning a piston or valve or something. Then we are talking even more money and headache. If i get a NEW COMPUTER XDT2 will ford give me a reprogrammed one. Does anybody have any junkyards around w/the XDT2 computer? How much does something like that run? What would you guys do with my problems? I'm calling Ford and Superchips tomorrow. I may be able to get a custom burned chip, but what if i'm left sitting with a burnt motor in the mean time. Is there anything i can do to help my detonastion for now. I'm running super w/a bottle of boost added 96/97 oct total. HELP!!

 

[Xplor]

Hey again guys, well its been over a month now. So anybody got anything solved yet?...Tekeman, did you call superchips? I talked to Chris from Smartyparts and he said that when you have ford update the computer...you have to get the new codes, so the chip can adapt with the update(when you get the chip re-programmed). Have you tried taking the chip out for a day and it stilled ping? Chris said, if you are having problems with before without the chip, the engine is running lean. I

Other then that, the pinging is starting to be annoying now, seems to getting little louder with the summer heat. Super unleaded gas helps, but I still get piniging. I am definately going to take mine to Ford and see whats going on. I am really icthing to get my mods going. I want to get a chip, but I don't know. I'll might just settle for a exhaust system.

 

[Tekeman]

Xplor,
Part of my problem i found out, is that 2 header bolts worked themselves out. Hard to believe, the headers were only on 2 months. With the bolts gone, the exhaust blew out part of the gasket. I sounds crappy. Kinda like when my stock exhaust manifold was clean cracked at the flange, but not as bad. This is what i was labelling - pinging(may not have been true octane pinging-maybe more sputtering) But people have me scared with the chip, light, and all. I'm getting a new gasket put in when my guy puts on my duals on 6/4. Then we will try the chip again. Its the right code and everything. If I get a check engine lite again, I'll be pissed. With my chip in the lite would come on after about 10 miles. With the two header bolts put back in, i ran 30 miles before the lite came on. So hopefully the new gasket will cure it. The chip just magnifies any problem and my exhaust gases seeping out at the head doesn't help. Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[espnfreak]

troll where do you live? i gotta see your v-8 5.0 in action

 

[Troll]

I live in Miami Fl. and if you are down here just give me a call on the number on my web site. www.speedfreak.cc