Ok well I've read a few engine pinging threads on this forum all are pretty old but is there anything you guys have currently done to fix this issue? My last 2 full tanks of gas have been with with 93 octane and chevron techron (1 bottle each full tank). The pinging is still there when it gets hot out and out here in the NJ/NY area its plenty hot out and I'm just so sick of this pinging its loud and embarrassing. Ive heard about doing a full fuel system cleaning fixing it but any truth to that? What else can i possibly do? Is there any proven method to fix it that doesn't cost me a fortune? This is really getting annoying but the car runs perfect besides that (03 SE)

 

Post a video.

 

No need for me to do that, the problem is common enough on our cars for me not to have to get so specific. Im not asking to identify the problem i know what the problem is but what i want to know is a possible solution.

 

1 step colder plugs and NWP spacers

Although, Idk why 93 doesn't solve it.

I haven't had this problem, but the plugs would help to stop detonation and the spacers would make the intake air cooler also aiding in pinging reduction.

 

I've read about using colder plugs but that can also bring issues (or so I've heard) so i rather not do that plus i just put brand new OEM plugs on the car. Ive even heard it go away after replacing the PCV but that sounds ridiculous.

 

I've actually heard of pinging being solved by using a lower temperature thermostat or removing the thermostat completely. I've also heard of pinging being caused by pre-cats, ambient temperature, faulty cooling fan, improper gap on spark plugs, low coolant level, and internal engine damage. There are a lot of different things that can contribute.

From personal experience, I had an Infiniti Q45 that had a pinging issue even though I only ran 93 in it, and I flushed the cooling system, and re-filled the system with distilled water, Redline water wetter, and 3 shots of vodka, and removed the thermostat. The pinging never came back at all, and the car stayed nice and cool; just below 190*.

-Nathan

 

Yea i know theres plenty things that can cause it i can tell it has a lot to do with heat because when my engine is cold or when it has recently got up to operating temperature there is little to no pinging but after its at operating temperature for a while its in full blast pinging mode again.

 

That's exactly what my Q45 was doing mate. I would flush the cooling system and maybe opt for a lower temperature thermostat. 10 degrees can sometimes be the difference. The distilled water, water wetter, and vodka setup works wonders. The best part, of course, is distilled water's cheap, water wetter's awesome, and, after you've given the car it's 3 shots, you've got a whole handle of vodka (save for 3 shots) to celebrate with!

-Nathan

 

i stay away from using water in my coolant system because then the system develops rust in the radiator and the water also deteriorates the hoses. Only time I've used water in my coolant system is for temporary use.

 

Which is why you use distilled water and vodka. Distilled water has the minerals (which is the reason rust occurs) removed, and the vodka also prevents rust. The water wetter also has the same anti-rust agent as antifreeze. I have used this setup on many cars and never encountered a single bit of rust.

I definitely agree not to use only water in the cooling system, even distilled water (though, theoretically, you should be ok), but adding the vodka and water wetter provides you with the same antifreeze and anti-rust capability as regular every day coolant.

Just a thought and personal recommendation though. Lol. I definitely understand your reasoning.

-Nathan

 

I am not sure if water wetter contains lubricants but antifreeze does. Its for keeping the pump lubricated up. I run 85% distilled water and 15% antifreeze in my turbo sentra.

 

interesting, anybody know what else i can do?

 

Clean the air filter, clean the maf

 

air filter is brand new, and I've actually heard that replacing the maf with a new one can possibly fix the pinging so I'm gonna try that. Didn't think the maf was a sensor you could clean i thought it just either worked or didn't.

 

You can clean it, though there will forever be a long standing debate as the effect (or lack thereof). Autozone sells CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner. It comes in an gray aerosol can.

A lot of times you can clean it and any symptoms will go away temporarily, and when they return you can somewhat easily diagnose it as being the MAFS. Not foolproof by any means, but straightforward.

-Nathan

 

Great info, thanks for your help nathan.

 

No worries at all man. Glad to do what I can.

-Nathan

 

Wow i just watched a video on youtube about how to clean the MAF on an altima and its literally just spraying it for a few seconds and thats it, is it really that easy?

 

Go the easy road. Get the 2000-2001 MAF from the stealership and swap over your 2002 MAF IAT wire. Or, pick up a replacement IAT wire. Link > http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...esistance.html <

Total cost is under $100.

 

It would be helpful to know what, if anything you have already done to attempt to fix the problem. If you haven't done anything yet, you should replace:
1) spark plugs (OEM, no need to go cold);
2) PCV valve;
3) Fuel strainer.

Those 3 things solved my pinging. Here's my thread on it: http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...ing-fixed.html

It's been a couple of months in which I have done some very hard driving, running regular gasoline without the slightest hint of a knock or ping.

Because of that, I believe that (unless you have some serious mods on your engine) colder plugs, thermostat, spacers, etc., are unnecessary.

 

your lucky with that. I have done everything you have plus the addition of a catch can, headers, 93 octane and I still ping. Regardless I will beat this pinging .

 

Have you checked for vacuum leaks? Best peace of mind is to find a shop with a smoke machine.

 

Only thing i've done was replace air filter, clean MAF and run chevron techron with a full tank of 93 octane. Now I'm going to buy some OEM plugs and pcv valve hopefully that fixes it.

 

If you need a new MAF, then do ^this! I did it on my 02, and it cost me less than $80 total, done and done. I get a wholesale discount through my local dealers though, so it might be a little more, but it still shouldn't be over $100 when it's all said and done.

Oh, and the MAF cleaning is indeed that simple. Just spray it intermittently for a few seconds, let it dry (2 seconds), done.

-Nathan

 

Also common knowledge around these parts say if the spray MAF cleaner seems to make the car feel better, your MAF is slowly dying and needs to be replaced.

 

So you have replaced the plugs or have not??

 

yup. i didnt get colder though

 

i havent replaced mine yet no i am going to order them next week because they are a lot cheaper online then they are at my local dealer. I rather save the $60.

 

Forget getting plugs at the dealer. Autozone and Oreilly sell the exact same plugs as the OE for less.

-Nathan

 

Mine pings/rattles from 1600-2000 rpm under light load.

I'm going to do the fuel strainer/filter next. So far, I have new plugs (stock heat range), new O2 sensors, and played around with the timing.

 

If you are looking for plugs, here is a good deal

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...GRPTUNEAMS____

Add 6 to cart and apply coupon code A123 to get $20 off $50, and select store pickup. Comes to around $40 + tax.