Pinging is not going to get worse because of winter mix, the ethanol added to the gasoline is a good knock inhibitor.
If you run the proper octane, you should have a problem unless you have a bad sensor or other condition that causes the engine to lean out. If you get a vacuum leak, that will cause a lean condition and pinging, as will a dirty MAF sensor. Sometimes the sensor can't be cleaned and has to simply be replaced.
If the fuel filter is plugged, it can cause a lack of power and pinging, as can a weak pump. A plugged injector as I sated earlier will cause a lean condition on that cylinder, but can cause a rich condition in the other cylinders.
If you run the wrong plugs, you can have problems, there are only three brands that work correctly on these trucks, Autolite double platinum or better, Motorcraft, and NGK double platinum or better. If you put on other brands, it is not uncommon to have pinging, misfires, rapid wear and failure of the plugs, fried coils, etc.
|