Engine Pinging all of a sudden...need suggestions

thedrod · 10-25-2009, 10:24 PM

I need some pointers from you guys.

My car is pinging even with an 87 tune.

About 6 months ago I got my intake and tune from Brenspeed.
After the install and 93 tune the car would ping around 4k rpm under WOT.
I ran 93 in the car for 3 tanks before-hand anticipating the tune.

I have 70k miles on the car, and I changed the plugs thinking this might be the problem. I used the Brisk plugs.

It would still ping at 4k rpm.
Brent updated my tune and the car would still ping around 5k.

So since I was so busy I just threw on the 87 tune and left it.

Since it's been cooling off in Houston, TX, and I installed a catch can I thought "what the heck" I'll put the 93 tune back on and see what happens.

Nope...still pinging.

Put the 87 tune back on....and it started pinging where it wasn't before!!

Any ideas? Keep in mind 70k miles.

Dirty fuel filter? Dirty Injectors? Need a coolant flush?
I have never changed the fuel filter since new, but I can't imagine it would cause this...correct me if I am wrong.

I do run fuel injector cleaner once a month since new.

Lets also assume it is not bad gas.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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BruceH · 10-25-2009, 10:40 PM

Could be a few things. Excess carbon build up will reduce the combustion chamber size over time and increase compression. This is usually a result of incomplete combustion which can be caused by plugs or using too high of an octane rating (harder to ignite than a lower octane) over an extended period of time. Could be too much timing, motor running hotter, etc.

How do your plugs look? You wouldn't be the first to have problems with Brisk plugs.

thedrod · 10-26-2009, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceH

Could be a few things. Excess carbon build up will reduce the combustion chamber size over time and increase compression. This is usually a result of incomplete combustion which can be caused by plugs or using too high of an octane rating (harder to ignite than a lower octane) over an extended period of time. Could be too much timing, motor running hotter, etc.

How do your plugs look? You wouldn't be the first to have problems with Brisk plugs.

Thanks for the response. I'll pull the plugs and check them out. I had my reservations about the Brisk plugs. THe factory plugs looked pretty gummy when I pulled them.

Are there any good methods to remove carbon deposits without removing the heads and going to town with PB Blaster? lol

JCON · 10-26-2009, 12:09 AM

Pinging, i've found is usually because you need to run a higher octane to burn more and clear some crap out. What oil are you using? whats it look like when you change it? could easily be plugs, timing, or even plug wires or the coil pack. If part of it goes it could cause all kinds of issues but most commonly misfires. just for fun, put your stock intake in and return the tune to stock, run a tank of 87 in it, if it pings step up to midgrade or premium. I would personally recommend Shell V-Power. It's the only gas I've used for 5 years in all 4 of my cars, love it and keeps it clean. I've also never had a ping or knock and have had two cars with over 130k miles.

JCON · 10-26-2009, 12:22 AM

best method ive found so far is to burn them out, by that I mean run premium fuel or use an additive. Don't mix the two or you will overheat your engine. You could also try the lucas oil fuel system additive, its supposed to break down deposits (just like Shell V-Power). Might as well do the pitch, I use V-Power because it has a high level of detergents, which not only can I attest to but labs have also confirmed it keeps your cylinders cleaner. Final solution is to go to a shop and have them take it apart and clean it..... expensive

BruceH · 10-26-2009, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedrod

Thanks for the response. I'll pull the plugs and check them out. I had my reservations about the Brisk plugs. THe factory plugs looked pretty gummy when I pulled them.

Are there any good methods to remove carbon deposits without removing the heads and going to town with PB Blaster? lol

You don't know what it is yet. Your best bet would be to get with a good tuner and see what's happening on the dyno. All I was doing was giving a list of things that could cause pinging, doesn't mean any of them are happening.

nv4gt ws · 10-26-2009, 06:53 AM

i had the same problem with brenspeed tunes. got a dyno tune, pinging is gone and picked up 17hp!

dysan · 10-26-2009, 10:10 AM

I've always liked to run a bottle or two of techron in my tank to help keep everything clean. I'd give that a shot and clean out your MAF with some either MAF cleaner from an auto place or some electronics cleaner from radio shack.

BRENSPEED · 10-26-2009, 10:27 AM

Give us a call. We can see what we can do. We run essentially the same tune on every car with minor adjustments due to different mods. Something else may be going on with your car. Call and ask for Dave or the tech line.

574.594.9559

Sp3kter · 10-26-2009, 11:40 AM

Go to your local auto zone or pep boys and pick up a can of seafoam. I use it every other oil change to clean out the carbon deposits.

http://www.seafoamsales.com/motor-treatment/index.html