>Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 12:04:56 -0400
>From: Brett Stoner <Brett@abacusinfo.com>
>Subject: DML: Pinging
>I haven't been too active on the list for a while, so I'm sorry if I'm =
>rehashing something, but here goes...
>For the last month or two my 97 Dakota has been pinging under moderate =
>acceleration. Starting up from a traffic light, or going up a hill is =
>likely to cause the problem. (This is with the V6, BTW) It seems to =
>happen much more frequently on hot days. I mentioned it to the dealer and =
>he wouldn't even look at it. He said I should just use 89 octane fuel =
>(despite the fact that the manual calls for 87) Is this normal or should =
>I get on his back about it?
>Thanks,
> Brett
Brett:
I always run 89 octane in my 97 V8 4x4 SLT clubcab. I towed my wee trailer
(2000 lb) up island (150 km) for the holiday weekend without any pinging.
I filled up in Courtney and experienced mild pinging on my return (up hill
heavy throttle, plus a bit with light throttle), but it was much hotter
(30C). Stopped about 3/4 way home and topped up with 94 octane before
climbing to the summit and had no more pinging problems. Maybe I got some
bad gas or it was the heat, I don't know.
This is the first time it's pinged since I bought it in November 1996.
Judging from the talk about pinging on the DML it can be a problem. I
agree with your dealer about running 89 octance....perhaps higher if you're
towing. Also you may want to try a bottle or two of injector cleaner and
see if that helps.
Rob Agnew
ragnew@islandnet.com
Victoria, B.C.
Canada
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