Pinging on '98 5.0L

[sg2000]

Hi guys,

I have '98 Mountaineer with 5.0L 2WD.
I bought it used with 44K miles on it in 2001.
After about a year it started knocking (or pinging). I used to use 87 gas, and changed it to 89 and now 91.
That helped a lot for a while, but recently it started knocking again.

It usually happens around 2000-2500rpm on a hot day, with people in the car driving up hill. I guess that's knocking.

What can be wrong? Carbon build up?
I suspect timing chain. I'm sure it's never been adjusted.
Any suggestion? Trying higher octane seems out of option now.
Thanks in advance.

 

[RubySlow]

Well Iam no expert but I would start with the basics, oil change, fuel filter, plugs, plug wires, air filter, tps, Seafoam it, after that Id try to re set the computer...

Anyone else? I know yall got more insight than I

 

[RubySlow]

Your from Burlingame I didnt even see that, where you live by?

 

[sg2000]

Well, I change oil regularly, got new fuel filter 1.5 years ago, new plugs 2 years ago(i thought bad plugs were the reason), not sure about plug wires (probably replaced with plugs), got new air filter regularly, never touched tps, haven't tried Seafoam, haven't tried resetting the computer.

Hmm.
By the way, I have about 110K on it now.


I live near the City hall.
Good to see a neighbor here.

 

[IAmTodd]

I've been told its carbon build up. I just run the high grade of fuel anymore. Nothing seems to completely cure it.