I have done quite a few searches on engine pings, or ignition knock, that I am experiencing in my LX. It seems to be a common problem, especially on the 95 - 97 models, once they reach anywhere from 100k to 120k miles. Please pardon the generalizations but here is what I have deduced:
Many of the threads start off and discuss the topic but I have yet to see any definitive resolution short of the guys who have replaced their head gasket. Many of you have otherwise well tuned vehicles (that I can tell, anyway) and the pinging does seem to get worse over time. This also seems to be inflicting the later model LC's and LX's more than earlier models. Nobody that I can deduce has solved the pinging problem before a head gaslet change?
Maybe I am reading into this wrong, but could it be that the pinging we all hear is a pre-cursor signal of an impending HG failure? Not that this is the actual reason, but maybe a scenerio is that part of the gasket starts protruding into the cylinder #6 and causes both a change in compression and/or a restriction in the water passages causing localized hot conditions?
-Craig
Here is some background on my vehicle. Ping started at 120k...has gotten progressively worse now at 134k. I have done the following:
-Replaced wires, plugs, cap, rotor, PCV, valve cover gasket, PCV hoses, filters, ERG modulator.
-New fan clutch, radiator, thermostat, all hoses (had an overheating issue due to partially blocked radiator).
-Checked valves...all within spec but on the loose side
-Run fuel injector cleaner (Techron, Redline)
-Had injectors professionaly cleaned at my mechanic
-Timing in spec
-O2 sensor replaced at 100k miles by PO with OEM.
-No codes.
Nothing has helped. Pinging is at light to moderate loads off idle and around 2200-2400RPM.
Many of the threads start off and discuss the topic but I have yet to see any definitive resolution short of the guys who have replaced their head gasket. Many of you have otherwise well tuned vehicles (that I can tell, anyway) and the pinging does seem to get worse over time. This also seems to be inflicting the later model LC's and LX's more than earlier models. Nobody that I can deduce has solved the pinging problem before a head gaslet change?
Maybe I am reading into this wrong, but could it be that the pinging we all hear is a pre-cursor signal of an impending HG failure? Not that this is the actual reason, but maybe a scenerio is that part of the gasket starts protruding into the cylinder #6 and causes both a change in compression and/or a restriction in the water passages causing localized hot conditions?
-Craig
Here is some background on my vehicle. Ping started at 120k...has gotten progressively worse now at 134k. I have done the following:
-Replaced wires, plugs, cap, rotor, PCV, valve cover gasket, PCV hoses, filters, ERG modulator.
-New fan clutch, radiator, thermostat, all hoses (had an overheating issue due to partially blocked radiator).
-Checked valves...all within spec but on the loose side
-Run fuel injector cleaner (Techron, Redline)
-Had injectors professionaly cleaned at my mechanic
-Timing in spec
-O2 sensor replaced at 100k miles by PO with OEM.
-No codes.
Nothing has helped. Pinging is at light to moderate loads off idle and around 2200-2400RPM.