Engine pinging

[nlreb54]

When I accelerate from a complete stop I am getting a slight pinging in the engine. The brand of gas does not matter. I have tried several brands all 93 octane. No mods on the engine except a blackwing and corsa cat backs. Where do I start looking for a solution to stop the pinging?


Thanks for any assistance.
nlreb

 

[chevyaddict]

Well, aside from bad gas the other recommendation I have is that the timing is somehow off. Although, with a 98 this is not something that you would generally tinker with - it is computer controlled. Therefore, I would be checking the various sensors that would contribute to timing control. Something that is reading that your gas/fuel mixture or oxygen output in the exhaust is too high or something. I know this is just general info, but that is where I would start. How is your emissions? Do you pass pretty easily or is it borderline?

 

[Hib Halverson]

When I accelerate from a complete stop I am getting a slight pinging in the engine. The brand of gas does not matter. I have tried several brands all 93 octane. No mods on the engine except a blackwing and corsa cat backs. Where do I start looking for a solution to stop the pinging?


Thanks for any assistance.
nlreb

Some level of spark knock from LS1s and LS6es at light throttle seems to be common. As long as you're not hearing knock under heavy load, that detonation may be annoying but it is not a durability issue.

Nevertheless, it is a concern of a lot of owners and there are some things GM may do if you take the car in repairs. If the car is still under warranty, the cosst may or may not be covered. If it's out of warranty, you pay.

 

[nlreb54]

Dawn and Hib, no problem with emissions. I may have to take it to a dealer to see if it is a sensor.
No warranty, so I will be paying for any repairs. It is just on light load conditions that this happens. After you get down on the gas, no problem. It does seem like it idles a little rough sometimes.

Thanks,
nlreb

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
As a consumer, you can attempt the following.
Add a bottle of Techron fuel systems cleaner, by Chevron. 20 oz bottle.
This can be found at any auto parts store.
Or GM part number 88861011, which is essentially the same thing.
Add this to a full tank, and see how you make out.
This would be my first suggestion.
Allthebest, c4c5

PS Part number has been superceded, thus the edit to post.

 

[nlreb54]

HI there,
As a consumer, you can attempt the following.
Add a bottle of Techron fuel systems cleaner, by Chevron. 20 oz bottle.
This can be found at any auto parts store.
Or GM part number 12345104, which is essentially the same thing.
Add this to a full tank, and see how you make out.
This would be my first suggestion.
Allthebest, c4c5

Would you recommend a top engine cleaner now at 47,000 miles? I ran the Techron through a couple months ago and it seemed like it helped some but now the pinging again. I have thought about changing plugs but am a little confused about what to get. Any suggestions for a 98 coupe with A4?

thanks again.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
A top engine cleaning may help, but it is a very involved process.
There are a few things that a technician can do, to assist in eliminating your knocking condition. There was an updated PCM program for this problem also, aside from the decarb process.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Vette Virgin]

Pinging!!!!!!!!!!!!

I gotta say, I've had pinging problems in both my 01 and 03 C5's and I cannot believe that there is noone that can just step up to the plate and say "here is what's going on and here is what you have to do"

My Vette's still under factory warranty but Chevy won't do ANYTHING unless the computer says something's wrong.

vv

 

[pizzano]

plugs are AC/Delco 41-985 they come pregapped at .040, do not try to gap them to .060 as the old/original gap is. The new plugs are recomended to be gapped at this gap, c4c5 specialist will back that up.

Check your plug wires also for any loose connections (you mentioned it misses a bit)

 

[Vette Virgin]

Vette doesn't miss. I will check on the wires though.

Thanks!

 

[pizzano]

Dawn and Hib, no problem with emissions. I may have to take it to a dealer to see if it is a sensor.
No warranty, so I will be paying for any repairs. It is just on light load conditions that this happens. After you get down on the gas, no problem. It does seem like it idles a little rough sometimes.

Thanks,
nlreb

I was refering to this (idles rough)

 

[Vette Virgin]

I went and put in 6 gallons of 100 octane and 8 gallons of 91 octane. Will let you know how it comes out once I get a chance to go WOT.

100 octane cost me $6.75 per gallon. Yeh!!

es

 

[MagikDraggin]

When I accelerate from a complete stop I am getting a slight pinging in the engine. The brand of gas does not matter. I have tried several brands all 93 octane. No mods on the engine except a blackwing and corsa cat backs. Where do I start looking for a solution to stop the pinging?


Thanks for any assistance.
nlreb

Take the blackwing off and reinstall the factory airbox, and I bet the "pinging" will stop.

Had the same problem with mine. So I put the stock airbox back on and set the timing back 4 degrees (with a handheld tuner) and the pinging stopped.

The nice thing about it, is even after setting the timing back, the vette STILL ran just as hard with no noticeable difference.

I think it's nothing more than a "tolerance issue", typical of a production line item, where a "plus or minus" 5% tolerance can mean the difference between a motor that pings and one that doesn't.

 

[Vette Virgin]

Addition of 100 octane gas

So far so good.

I got the Vette nice and hot, and then added 8 gallons of 91 octane and 6 gallons (give or take) of 100 octane and the Vette runs like a charm!! It seems very happy with the combination.

Since the 100 cost me $6.75 per gallon, it better be happy!

If things change, I'll upload an update.

vv

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
It will be happy until your octane goes back to 91/93.
Then, the unburned carbon will be even more thick and create more problems.
Because the engine of C5 runs so cool, and the octane is that much more resistant to burning, you will end up with even MORE carbon in the cylinders.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Vette Virgin]

OK, I did a bad thing to make the Vette happy

I guarantee you that will be the last time I try that.

Suggestions as to how to clean the injectors etc.?

Thanks

vv

 

[Vette Virgin]

I plan on getting the Techron today. Thanks

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
I was not trying to imply that you did a bad thing. Its only going to make matter worse in the long term.
Make sure your plugs are correct for the vehicle. Injectors will be cleaned by the Techron, and you can put 2 or 3 bottles to a tank if you really have a bad problem with Carbon, but DO NOT do this frequently.
BG44K is more efficient at reducing carbon but will NOT clean injectors as well.
And I would also check to make sure you have the latest calibration for the PCM.
Just suggestions to make your c5 run its best, c4c5

 

[David Gordon]

When you installed the Blackwing did you cut the bottom from the shroud to let more cold air in? If so that is where your pinging is coming from. I cut mine then patched it up and it went away.

 

[DocOhm]

So far so good.

I got the Vette nice and hot, and then added 8 gallons of 91 octane and 6 gallons (give or take) of 100 octane and the Vette runs like a charm!! It seems very happy with the combination.

Since the 100 cost me $6.75 per gallon, it better be happy!

If things change, I'll upload an update.

vv

Is that 100 octane UNLEADED? Hope so...