95 Standard SOHC Engine Pinging

[wnt2rd]

Hi Everybody!

I paid $650 to get the timing belt, water pump, and drive belts replaced because I'm too lazy to do it myself.

I filled her up with 87 octane because I'm cheap, and then the engine immediately started to ping randomly.

At least I think it's pinging. I hear a definite metal "ping" sound randomly throughout the powerband, but I'm not positive that it's engine ping or not because I don't know what engine pinging sounds like. Does anyone have any ideas of what else it may be?

The tank was half empty so I tried to solve the problem by filling her up with 92 octane. I still hear the "pings," although they seem less frequent and a bit quieter. When the tank runs empty I'll fill up the tank with 92 octane.

I'm going to the hardware store today; perhaps I'll pick up some octane boost.

Would a tune up help eliminate pings? (new spark plugs, air filter, oil, etc...)

I'll post some new pics of my baby as soon as I take some, which will hopefully be later today.

[das2123]

SOHC engines don't need nor require a high octane gas.

I'd do a tune-up and see if that helps.

[eaglesplyer66]

better hope i aint your bearings bro. connecting rod bearings, main bearings thats my prob now. it started to "ping" and it only got worse!
well hope your luckis better.
charlie

[wnt2rd]

Originally Posted by das2123

SOHC engines don't need nor require a high octane gas.

I'd do a tune-up and see if that helps.

I'm starting to doubt that it's a real ping. I think it may be something that sounds like a ping. I can't remember the last time I did a tune-up so that's a good idea.

I know I don't need 92 octane, but the car sure does go! What a blast compared to the 87! I think I may have to purchase 92 octane from now on just for fun.

eaglesplyer66, what mileage did you start to get bearing problems?

[das2123]

Originally Posted by wnt2rd

I know I don't need 92 octane, but the car sure does go! What a blast compared to the 87! I think I may have to purchase 92 octane from now on just for fun.

Get a Mopar PCM and then you will be forced to buy only 92 octane

[wnt2rd]

I drove about 40 miles today. I've narrowed down the "pinging" sound to clutch/clutch cable action.

I'm almost positive that the metalic "tink!" sound is coming from the clutch release bearing, lever, and/or clutch cable cup washer. I'm not worried about it, though.

I won't be able to get pics of the car for a little while. I'll make a new thread for those.