Is this supposed to be here???

[mall0y]

Hey guys, I have been experiencing the infamous explorer "pinging" under heavy accelleration and up hills and stuff like that so I did the search feature and found out some things that could fix it. So, I cleaned the MAF, and was about to change my plugs and wires (which weren't changed since I bought it) and I noticed these 2 small gaps where the intake manifold meets the head. Below are pictures of the gaps. My question is, are they supposed to be there? I know that if there is air going into them and into the motor it will cause a lean condition which is more than likely the cause of my "pinging" problem. So,could someone tell me if they are supposed to be there? It's bothering me because they seem out of place. Thanks.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid200/p2713ccca662cef6ce755eeb1912879ba/f04e5fdd.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid200/pf2fac297c1ef064b7a6c2df4efa9be4c/f04e5fd5.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid200/p625257a22b0c938901f2894cbc5023ef/f04e5fd0.jpg

 

[Rhett]

Your links don't work...

 

[Copespitter]

Links don't work.
Spray something ether in the gap and see if the rpm's rise. It might just look like a gap bet really isn't.

My Brothers Toyota 22r was pinging. He replaced a ton of stuff and couldn't find the problem. Some mechanic suggested that the timing chain might be stretched. He replaced the timing chain and it fixed the problem.

 

[walterd140]

Yep. Went to autozone.com & it says the timing chain is the first culprit. I have the same issue, but my check engine light comes on. Usually about 2000 rpm, then light. If I back off the pedal, the light goes out (most of the time). Sometimes just shut off, then on & light is out. Other thing they list is the erg valve... plugs are way down the list
Walter

 

[mall0y]

sorry about the links guys, i'll upload the pics to another host and post them as soon as i can.

 

[Ryan85]

what are you using for gas? The 4.0 OHV are know to ping if using less than 89 Octane under a load.

 

[JStrider]

my 93 has those gaps...

and i saw the gaps in a picture 410 posted... figure if they were a problem he woulda taken care of them... assuming it was his X

 

[mall0y]

what are you using for gas? The 4.0 OHV are know to ping if using less than 89 Octane under a load.

im runnin 87, i just cleaned up my MAF and took it for a ride and it doesnt ping for the time being. As soon as it gets dirty, it will start again. I read the manual and the vehicle is made to run on 87. My theory with this is that if it doesnt run right on 87, using a higher grade fuel is just putting a bandaid over the problem and not fixing it completley. I guess its just one of my pet peaves, i know theres something wrong with it and id rather fix it than just tip toe around it.

 

[mrboyle]

The "gaps" are supposed to be there. That is the fuel rail. The only place the plenum (upper intake) seals is directly around the ports. If you look at the crappy lines I added to your picture you can see where the gaskets run (black lines) The red line is to show where the "gap" is located.

 

[JStrider]

cool
good to know

 

[mall0y]

The "gaps" are supposed to be there. That is the fuel rail. The only place the plenum (upper intake) seals is directly around the ports. If you look at the crappy lines I added to your picture you can see where the gaskets run (black lines) The red line is to show where the "gap" is located.

Alright thanks alot man!

 

[alexefron]

some people have had luck with using seafoam to clean the carbon bildup out of the cyls. do a search and youll find more about it.