Martingale00

Hey guys, I just picked up a '00 Formula and on the way home I floored it a few times and at the top of second gear (A4 car) and around 4,500+ rpm's it would make a ticking or clicking noise that sounded a lot like detonation. We filled it up with 94 octane and a bottle of fuel injection cleaner but the problem is still there. I looked in the owners manual and this is a word for word copy of what it says (page 6-4):

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">If you're using fuel rated at the recomended octane or higher and you hear heavy kocking, your engine needs service. But don't worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you're accelerating or driving up a hill. That's normal, and you don't have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of the pinging. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Now I am assuming by this comment that what I'm hearing is some random drivetrain noise and NOT detonation because if it was the GM book wouldn't say to just ignore it. Do any of you guys hear what I'm hearing? I hope it's not really pinging. Also, would a knock sensor give me a check engine light if it was? Any comments would be great. Thanks guy...

HITMANSS

First, congrats on getting your LS1, and welcome to the board.

Second, pinging is very common for our cars. What is described in your Owner's Manual is part-throttle, low-RPM pinging that indeed, is fairly common. However, what you are experiencing at WOT above 4500 RPM's is probably knock caused by carbon accumulation in the cylinders. You may also be getting some knock retard, which causes you to lose power.

You can clean the carbon out of the engine with GM Top Engine Cleaner or Sea Foam. Do a search on "oil consumption" or on "pinging" and you'll see lots of threads on this subject. Be sure to change you oil and filter afterwards. Adding a bottle of Techron to your gas tank once a month helps, too.

You might also have some oil contamination, especially if you're running a lighter-weight full synthetic oil, like Mobil1 10W30. Pull off your MAF and feel the back of the blade on the throttle body. If it's all oily, you are getting some contamination. Change your PCV valve regularly, and switch to 10W40 oil, and your oil consumption should go down dramatically.

01 SS Jay

I had the same thing in my 98 (had it from 28k to 65k miles) and now with my 01 (have 32k miles on it).. changing plugs, adding octane booster, none of that made a difference. It didnt seem to hurt the engine on my 98, so I just ignore it now.

robertbartsch

I had pinging in the summer months but only going up a steep driveway in 1st (6 speed)...

...ever since i switched to a colder thermostat it has not happened at all...

I always use 92 or 93 octane and occassionally use fuel injector cleaner...

BLK02WS6

iTrader: (2)

It is most likely due to oil getting by the PCV valve and getting into the intake. I went to a catch can setup on mine to stop it. And switch to a good synthetic 10W30 oil (Amsoil, Royal Purple, or Redline).

Also, before changing the oil - clean the top end with GM top engine cleaner like said above.

I would not do the fuel filter mod to the PCV like some people do. I tried that one and it takes away too much of the vacuum that evacuates the crankcase.

It is true that GM says the detonation is acceptable (and they know the PCV/oil is where it comes from - look at the new LS6 setup - they changed it), but we don't have to settle for it.

I got my catch can from a guy on here (Justin), and he did a great job fabricating it, had a good price, and sent it fast! Search for the post on catch cans and you'll find him.

Martingale00

Thanks a lot for the help guys! I am a long time Mustang guy and all of this is new to me. I am quickly learning that oil consumption and detonation are fairly common in LS1's. I have made an appointment at a reputable shop in my area that's going to rig up one of those filter PVC mods. I hope this will take care of the problem. I will also do the top end cleaner and have the plugs changed. I find it bizarre that GM would recognize detonation but not consider it a problem. It even says in the owners manual that slight pinging is normal. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> I wonder how many people who own F-bodies and Vettes but aren't "car people" are driving around with their cars pinging like an SOB but don't even pay attention to it. Thanks again guys...

The Dragon

iTrader: (6)

Dude, from your description of the problem, were I you I'd post to see if anyone has Atap or Scanmaster in the area to diagnose your car.

Did your check engine light actually light?

BLK02WS6

iTrader: (2)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Martingale00:
<strong>I have made an appointment at a reputable shop in my area that's going to rig up one of those filter PVC mods. I hope this will take care of the problem.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I would think twice about the fuel filter mod. I did it and yes it takes care of the oil consumption, but it does it by restricting the vacuum on the crankcase. This will hurt your long term ring sealing and reduce horsepower (basically makes the engine work harder because of pressure under the pistons).

I really recommend the catch can as I stated above. I wasted $25 on the fuel filter mod only to find out how it works. If you size the fittings to get vacuum, you'll get oil again! I wish I had put that money towards the can in the first place. Just trying to save you some money and possible aggrevation from other long term side effects.

mrestrictrplate3

i agree, do a top end clean.. but look at you maf sensor and see if its ported ad descreened.. it leans your car out and will mak it ping like mine did..