Pinging and Hesitation

[Paulinho11]

I was wondering if you guys could help me. My 94 Sport pings a lot once the engine gets hot especially with a load. I tried cleaning the MAF sensor like the wensite explained a while back but it did not make much difference. Also, when it's cold, the engine seems to hesistate then surge before it warms up. Then once it is warm it goes away. Any suggestions guys? Thanks for the help.

 

[Paulinho11]

Sorry guys, I also forgot to mention that when going up a grade for a while, the check engine light would come on for a minute or two then go off once it got to be flat again. Do you guys think that it could be anything like 02 sensors? It has 83,000 miles and the only thing I've ever done was plugs and filters and cooling system.

 

[Bashman]

First of all, I must ask, when you cleaned your MAF, did you reset the computer? Other than that, with my limited knowledge, the only thing I can think of is your lower intake manifold might need retorquing and/or gasket replacement. Normally #5 is the culprett. As for the CEL, have you attempted to read any codes?

 

[mrboyle]

I agree with Bashman. Have the codes scanned. If you sre getting a lean air/fuel ratio code, that is what is causing your pinging. This could be due to a number of things. If the fuel filter is over a year old, replace it. Try retorquing the intake (do a search, there are several writeups about it) and reclean the MAS then reset the computer. Another place to look is in the intake tube running from the MAS to the throttle body. These have a tendency to crack in the "flexible" ends. Any crack will allow in metered air into the intake causing a lean condition. If there are any cracks, black RTV will seal them (if there not too big).

 

[Paulinho11]

Thanks guys for the info. No I have not had CEL codes read yet. The fuel filter was replaced about 2.5 years ago when I had the tune up done. So, I'm going to try to replace that as well as check the torque on the intake bolts. Thanks