I was driving today and my expy started pinging.Has never
pinged before.What's the deal.Is it bad gas??My wife put in
some cheap gas at safeway.Also the gas milage has gone down a bit.4.6 L with 48K on it.Any suggestions.I am also thinking of putting in a reproggamed ecm, will this make a big difference in power and shifting etc.
Thanks

 

1.) Probably low octane fuel.....

2.) Had same problem with some missing, got two bottles of Chevron Techron (because she's a thirst beast), ran some real fuel in 'er and we go fast again...

Keith

 

I hear this all the time. The quality and age of gasoline generally has more to do with pinging than the octane. Ex's were designed for 87 octane, and might ping a little under occaisonaly conditions even with the best gas. It should never ping with 89 and higher-but the vehicle really doesn't need it. In fact, too high an octane can hurt performance.

Stick with Amoco, since in my opinion and other's from other forums who know WAY TOO much about gasoline say it's the way to go.

Bad pinging with quality 87 means dealer time. Could be intake carbon problems.

 

1. Yep, likily bad fuel

2. Yep, Techron is good stuff

3. 48k is not yet at the Ford recommended 'plug change interval' but I would highly recommend it

BTW, I've heard good things about Bosch Platinum +4 plugs, also Denso? plugs both are a little pricey but considering the hassle you will go through to change them, you better get the best.

BTW II, stick with good gas

 

I replaced the fuel filter, added techron along with good gas
and the pinging went away.Milage went up also.I also had the trans. flushed and that made a huge difference in performance, now it shifts hard and no slipping.