Pinging

[Hank F.]

My 93 ATX has developed a nasty ping under load, i.e. with people and luggage and going uphill. I thought our cars had a knock sensor that would retard the timing under these circumstances. If there were no computer, I would do it myself, but those days are long gone. Could it be as simple as bad gas? I have seen shot-peened pistons from poor timing and pre-ignition, and I do not want my 3.2 to be a victim. What other variables am I not seeing? Help.

 

[Ishodu]

Too low of octane gas could cause it, a slow to respond knock sensor can as well. I would try another place to get gas and see what happens then. What octane are you using?

 

[1slickRED89]

if you have no codes saved in the computer from faulty sensors, try some fuel injector cleaner with your next tank of 93/94 and see what happens.

 

[1993MTXSHO]

higher octane will more then likly get rid of it, it may also increase your gasmilage and almost balence out the extra cost. Plus you'll probably get some more power out of the higher octance stuff.

 

[Hank F.]

I'm using 92 from Shell or 76. I figure anything putting out more than 1HP per cubic inch deserves it. Would Techron injector cleaner help this, or not? I guess it cannot hurt to try. Any other suggestions? Thanks

 

[CerberuS]

Pinging is caused by your mix air/fuel igniting BEFORE your sparkplug.

So no , it wont help.

Higher octane only means its harder to ignite fuel...