hey guys,

ive got some serious engine pinging at high rpms with a 95 3.8L. i thought it was crappy gas at first, but i ran a tank through with injector cleaner and octane boost with no results. you think i should give it more time??? anybody got any suggestions?

thanks,
matt

 

I think that you are running lean, time to start pulling some codes...

 

Fill up with 89 if you are using 87 and also add some drygas to your tank. The isopropyl type, NOT methanol! Also look into changing your fuel filter. With all the crazy weather around the country this summer you may have gotten a good amount of water in your gas and/or some kind of sediment that can stuff your filter and whole system if you aren't lucky. With a new fuel filter in place and the fresh gas you should notice a difference in a rather short length of time....otherwise, as mentioned above, code reading time.

 

Plugs could also be a contributor. Pull a couple of spark plugs and see how they look. If they have a ton of carbon on them or the electrode is worn (rounded edges instead of squared) get yourself some NGK plugs or Motorcraft brand. Carbon build up on plugs and cylinder head walls and valves contribute to ping.

 

One really good additive if you want to go the carbon blasting root is Valvoline's Synth Power in the gold bottle. It is a "fuel system" cleaner, not just a fuel injector cleaner. I works wonders and you can feel the difference in just 100 miles. Try it, I highly recommend the stuff.