pinging and the cam synchronizer

[jfjohn]

I have a 96 taurus 3.0. It pinged with less than premium gas so what I did was turn the cam synchronizer clockwise about 1/4 of a turn and it made a big difference with eliminating the ping! now I can run regular and it feels like I got premium in there. I'm thinking that since the timing chain has stretched over the 100k miles that are on it, the timing can no longer be set to original specs using the synchro tool on the cam synchronizer. I know that adjusting this, it makes the fuel timing change but I believe that the pcm will retard the spark to compensate to match the fuel delivery. what do you guys think?

[TomV]

I find it hard to believe that the timing chain stretching over time could cause such a change in synchronization. Rotating the CPS housing by nearly 90 degress for ping elimination tells me that you are masking another problem. Was the CPS housing moved during an earlier repair? Did you have to move the housing 90 deg to eliminate the ping or could have moved it just a small amount for the same effect?

I had a faulty CPS and had my CEL come on. I noticed no performance problems whatsoever. It seems like the system must have been using some default conditions to keep the car running. I wonder if you adjusted your system so far out of wack that you are running in a similar default condition.

[jfjohn]

actually, looking at it again, maybe it was only about 1/8 of a clockwise rotation that I gave it. The car definitely is running better, smoother, and more power with the 87 octane than it ever did.