Octane Ping?

[grizzlyrafting]

2006 GM Sierra Z71. (60,000 km) Have a pinging or ticking sound that seems to be coming from underneath the truck sometimes when accelerating only, never at idle? Also it seems to be intermittent, and seems to happen more after the truck has been driven for a while and warm.. All gauges are normal, truck runs fine. Had a mechanic from GM take it out for a quick test drive and he thinks it sounds like an octane ping?.. I doubt that since I've always used regular gas and never have used any fuel additives or anything like that. I usually get my gas from a brand new SUNOCO gas station with all new equipment so I'm stumped.. I've also let the gas run right down and then went to a different gas station with the same results?

 

Any ideas before I go back to the dealer and give them my left arm?

 

Thank you...

[96chevy7.4L]

I would consider a gas treatment or change in grade of gas. Move up to 89 for a short time and see if that gets rid of the ping. Your truck just may not like regular gas. My dually pictured hates regular gas 89 minimum for me.

[txab]

You could have carbon build up causing your problem

[Jennabear]

Or both gas stations could have been low quality gas. Clean your MAF as well.

[gnet158]

I'd Seafoam it first as that never hurts. Are you running any sort of tune? Did you buy the truck new or used? Kind of sounds like a high octane tune, and if your running regular gas then there's your problem.

[ken1mod]

Gentlemen,

 

First thing I would do is buy a tank of premium. If that stops or lessens the ping, you are on the right track. Problem is that none of these trucks should ping at all, the knock sensor should fix the problem. Second thing is the Italian Tune Up. Near me there is a 5 mile 6% grade that I climb at 75+ mph. I gotta believe this keeps the old engine clean of carbon build ups. Seems to work for me.

 

There seems to be a happy medium between babying the engine and abusing it, neither of which is a good thing. Anyway, once a month or so, thrash it a bit.

 

Ken

[grizzlyrafting]

I'd Seafoam it first as that never hurts. Are you running any sort of tune? Did you buy the truck new or used? Kind of sounds like a high octane tune, and if your running regular gas then there's your problem.

 

 

Thanks for replying.. I did buy the truck used from an old man who is the original owner and I doubt he tuned it at all, I haven't done anything to it as to not void the warranty. Also this problem has only developed in the last month or less and I've had the truck over a year. I haven't heard of seafoam but will research it online and look for it. cheers.

I also plan on using the gas I have till near empty then trying different grades of gas and see what happens before I end up at the dealership.. Again cheers to you all for taking time to give me a few pointers.. I really appreciate it..