Intermittent Pinging Problem 97 TC

[Sysanalyst]

Greetings all!

My 97 TC runs great, gets great mileage, was very inexpensive ($500), is easy to work on, but has an elusive engine pinging issue;

After a 10 mile highway trip (70MPH), upon stop at the exit ramp and then brisk (1/2 pedal) acceleration, I get engine ping. Upon subsequent braking and acceleration (brisk or full throttle) the pinging is gone, not to return until another highway trip, and then again, it may not return for a week or two.

Unfortunately, this problem is intermittent, and hard to solve. To date, I've cleaned the EGR Valve, the EVC filters, changed the PCV valve, changed the intake manifold (to the new plastic/aluminum crack resistant type), changed all fluids, plugs (Autolite Platinum), wires (Bosch), and even replaced 1 coil pack (swapped it between right a left sides to see if it made a difference). I've also replaced the air filter with a K&N job, but the problem persists.

I've considered pulling the "octane adjustment plug" and may do so, but fear gas mileage will suffer. I'm also considering replacing the EGR valve.

Any thoughts and ideas are welcome and appreciated.

Kind regards,

sysanalyst

[roper]

Do you always gas up at the same place ? If so try a different brand of fuel maybe Shell Or Chevron. Try a tank full of Higher Octane. see if that works.

[Sysanalyst]

I always fill up at the same local Mobil station with their 87 octane "low grade" fuel. I suppose I could try a few tankfuls of something else as there is a Shell station nearby. Sort of strange that the car would act up after a highway trip, but just for a single incident, and then run okay for a few days. I'm thinking it might be a sticking EGR valve that get's "stuck" when running on the highway and needs an acceleration cycle to free up. A new EGR valve is fairly inexpensive and the work to replace it very minimal. Perhaps I'm just being too picky and should accept this fault as part of the TC experience.

[ekooke]

Sea Foam.

[waldbaro]

1996 & 97's have pinging issues. There is a TSB on this subject: 97-21-6 OCT 97. If cleaning the MAF and there are no vacuum leaks around the PVC hose, consider taking it to the dealer. They can reprogram the PCM per the TSB to get rid of the knock.

[the Andrew]

I had the pcm flashed and I cleaned the MAF and the car is completely new feelin, quick and I say quick shifts and no pinging and I had the dealer advance the timing so I have about 35 more HP and now I run 93 all the time well not ALL the time and the car is wonderful the timing advance will bring you mileage down about 2mpg or so not too bad since I still get 27-29mpg on the highway. It is like new.
[img]smile.gif[/img]

[the Andrew]

PS sorry you had to waste that time and money on those other things the arent really that necessary. truly a mechanic will always try to get money out of you just come to the Forum first.

[Sysanalyst]

Thanks for all of the helpful responses. I'll see what kind of bling the dealer wants to reprogram the ECM... I'm sure this is a $1000 special procedure that can only be done at the Lincoln dealer where the car was originally sold.

If they begin to give me flack, I'll remind them of their "flaky plastic intake manifold problem" and how my wife will never drive another F-L-M vehicle again after her "lemon" Ford Escape was in the shop 45 days the first year we owned it. Perhaps that will shame them into giving me a deal. I know I sound harsh on the dealers, but here in Central Florida, we are plagued with crappy dealers out to make a fast buck and quick sale, yet are unable to solve simple mechanical issues. A sorry situation indeed.

As for the money spent on the parts; The intake was a must to stave off future cracking issues. The plugs and wires, heck, 95K miles means it is time they were swapped out. All in all, I think I probably have about $1000 wrapped up in this old TC $500 for the car and another $500 in parts. Not bad at all.

Just an FYI - I've done all of the work on this car myself. I've avoided the dealer at all cost as they tend to "sabotoge" vehicles whether intentional or not.

[ September 20, 2005: Message edited by: Sysanalyst ]

[the Andrew]

It was 85 dollars dont let them give you a LINCOLN price its a f***ing ford anyhow. Just cause we got lincolns doesnt mean we have more money.