Pinging? What does it sound like?

[302Xplorer]

Is pinging that cackling noise that I hear when I am running at low RPms?
Or is it something else entirely?

 

[fastpakr]

Certainly could be. Lugging the motor is the easiest way to generate it. Sort of like marbles in a coffee can?

 

[302Xplorer]

Lugging? The sound is hard to describe. If it is Pre ignition, is that a big problem?

 

[fastpakr]

Lugging is placing a load on the engine at low RPM. Always better off running in a lower gear than lugging it.

 

[302Xplorer]

I have recently taken to running w/o the overdrive under 55mph and I haven't noticed it recently.

 

[senez]

Pinging sounds like loose bolts being shaken around a metal pan. It's really annoying and most noticeable while the engine is under load at low RPMs, as mentioned above.

It's not hard to fix. Most likely a problem with fuel, spark plugs, distributor, or timing.

 

[davidmmm69]

I have to agree with SENEZ
loost bolts and such in a metal pan

 

[senez]

I wouldn't advise continuing driving with the timing incorrect on your vehicle, if that indeed is the cause. I would certainly have it checked out. If left unattended, it can cause some serious problems down the road.

Little whirls lead to bigger whirls

 

[00XLS]

Son of a *****, so thats what that noise is. I can hear it at idle, where should I start looking to correct it.

 

[prozachappy]

Posted by 00XLS: Son of a *****, so thats what that noise is. I can hear it at idle, where should I start looking to correct it.

Detonation...or the common "PING" is usually only heard under load at mid to high RPMs. If your hearing something at idle, I doubt it is ping. If it is...you got BIG problems Like I said though, whatever your hearing at idle, probably isn't detonation.

posted by 302Xplorer: If it is Pre ignition, is that a big problem?

Yes...next to running your truck without oil or water...detonation can cause serious damage if not fixed. Now, a little ping..like less than a second or so is acceptable. Anything more your risking serious internal damage. Have you tried running a higher octane...like 89 or 91? See if that doesn't eliminate the ping..if it does, at least you'll know you are dealing with detonation.

Here is a link a current thread that might answer your questions better:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130086
good luck, J

 

[00XLS]

What I'm hearing at idle sounds like gears and stuff working, kinda metalic but not really loud. Sound similar to whats being described tho...how bad of a problem do I have?

 

[BigBlueBiotch]

What I'm hearing at idle sounds like gears and stuff working, kinda metalic but not really loud. Sound similar to whats being described tho...how bad of a problem do I have?

My explorer was making a similar sound. After some poking around with a poor-man's stethoscope (extra vacuum line) I narrowed it down to the top of the engine. It turns out that my alternator had destroyed a bearing or got a rock stuck in it. It was making a helluva ruckus.

What you want to do is something similar. Take a piece of hose, hold one end near your ear and move the other around the engine. That way you can pinpoint where the noise is coming from. But be careful. You don't want to get sucked into something moving.

Chances are, if it's a sound that's not supposed to be there, it's something attached to the engine rather than the engine pinging. I've never heard of an EFI engine pinging at idle.

 

[metstalker]

well ive been driveing with that noise for around 50,000 miles and have done everything except take the engine apart.... somethings just cant be fixed

 

[302Xplorer]

After hearing all of the descriptions I don't think it's "pinging" that is making the sound. I've heard it before in other cars but only V8s

 

[00XLS]

Well then, I suppose I'm going to start poking around.

 

[stick66]

Not sure if this is your problem, but I had a similar pinging when excelerating. It sounded as though it was coming from the top of the engine. Turns out there there was a loose heat shield (maybe the converter's heat shield).
My mechanic stuck a rod up there and banged the loose shield a bit. It no longer makes the ping!