88 olds pinging

[angel84elco]

I don't think pinging is normal, especially running 91 octane. That's a low compression mill.

I didn’t think so either so. I’ll proba replace the egr valve

Nope, not normal, but there is what is called lean burn mode that it will go into when light throttle, OD, and lockup to maximize fuel economy. Believe it or not, your 91 octane can even cause this. These were the last tables we dicked around with getting my big block to run on the triple C. Of course, it needs premium but we got it to work. It seems counter intuitive but try 87 gas and, as someone else mentioned, if your egr or even your gas fume canister valve are sticking, can also cause it. Just a few ideas for you.

no kidding I figured 91 would clean it out a little bit better. I was thinking of even spraying a little water in there just to clean it a little bit as well. I’ll put some 87 run it and see what happens. Thanks for that insight

 

[Canon_Mutant]

All good ideas. Excess carbon build up can cause it as mentioned so a good clean out is always worth while for also just good running condition across the board. In lean burn, you can lean even my big block out enough to get 18-20mpg without pinging with the right spark advance. Since it is unlikely your distributor is over-advancing without other symptoms, something is likely causing a too lean condition and, with stock code, I have seen higher octane fuel's relationship with the O2 sensor cause the ECM to lean the CCC out too much => ping. But, stuck EGR, gas canister valve, or a slight vacuum leak that allow the A/F to get too high can also cause it. Much of a vacuum leak will cause high idle, light throttle problems, etc. so if light throttle, high gear, lock up ping is all you are seeing, it would be lowest on my priority list. EGR and the gas canister should be OFF during lean burn. Lean burn for max fuel economy requires the fewest variables possible.

 

[Texas82GP]

If you replace the EGR valve, be picky about what you buy, and I recommend testing/inspecting your valve before just replacing it. An aftermarket valve has a good likelyhood of being lower quality and somewhat universal ("one size fits most").

 

[Texas82GP]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...+v8,1223008,exhaust+&+emission,egr+valve,4968
I would buy the AC Delco 2145522 if it were me. If you compare it to the cheaper ones, you will see the cheap ones have a wide open orifice which indicates they come with an assortment of orifice washers that you have to sort through and select based on a chart that comes with the cheap valve (based on the part number of the original valve). Once you have the correct washers you have to put them in the base of the new valve and 'stake' them in place with a chisel or punch. Cheap crap.

With the Delco, you just bolt it on. It is already configured correctly for your application.

 

[angel84elco]

All good ideas. Excess carbon build up can cause it as mentioned so a good clean out is always worth while for also just good running condition across the board. In lean burn, you can lean even my big block out enough to get 18-20mpg without pinging with the right spark advance. Since it is unlikely your distributor is over-advancing without other symptoms, something is likely causing a too lean condition and, with stock code, I have seen higher octane fuel's relationship with the O2 sensor cause the ECM to lean the CCC out too much => ping. But, stuck EGR, gas canister valve, or a slight vacuum leak that allow the A/F to get too high can also cause it. Much of a vacuum leak will cause high idle, light throttle problems, etc. so if light throttle, high gear, lock up ping is all you are seeing, it would be lowest on my priority list. EGR and the gas canister should be OFF during lean burn. Lean burn for max fuel economy requires the fewest variables possible.

All good ideas. Excess carbon build up can cause it as mentioned so a good clean out is always worth while for also just good running condition across the board. In lean burn, you can lean even my big block out enough to get 18-20mpg without pinging with the right spark advance. Since it is unlikely your distributor is over-advancing without other symptoms, something is likely causing a too lean condition and, with stock code, I have seen higher octane fuel's relationship with the O2 sensor cause the ECM to lean the CCC out too much => ping. But, stuck EGR, gas canister valve, or a slight vacuum leak that allow the A/F to get too high can also cause it. Much of a vacuum leak will cause high idle, light throttle problems, etc. so if light throttle, high gear, lock up ping is all you are seeing, it would be lowest on my priority list. EGR and the gas canister should be OFF during lean burn. Lean burn for max fuel economy requires the fewest variables possible.

Yeah as of right now it is I mean I haven’t experienced it in like a month or 2 so I’m thinking about just

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...+v8,1223008,exhaust+&+emission,egr+valve,4968
I would buy the AC Delco 2145522 if it were me. If you compare it to the cheaper ones, you will see the cheap ones have a wide open orifice which indicates they come with an assortment of orifice washers that you have to sort through and select based on a chart that comes with the cheap valve (based on the part number of the original valve). Once you have the correct washers you have to put them in the base of the new valve and 'stake' them in place with a chisel or punch. Cheap crap.

With the Delco, you just bolt it on. It is already configured correctly for your application.

thanjs yeah usually I like to buy the ac delco original equipment if it’s available

 

[pontiacgp]

I just thought of something, doesn't an 88 Cutlass have an anti knock sensor?

 

[angel84elco]

I just thought of something, doesn't an 88 Cutlass have an anti knock sensor?

I looked it up hasa knock sensor

 

[Texas82GP]

I was working on an 85. Maybe it just needs a knock sensor? Wouldn't that be nice? Check to make sure it is still plugged in. I bought an 89 Chevy pickup with a TBI 305 that pinged real bad when I bought it but the knock sensor connector was just hanging. The seller didn't know any better.

 

[angel84elco]

I was working on an 85. Maybe it just needs a knock sensor? Wouldn't that be nice? Check to make sure it is still plugged in. I bought an 89 Chevy pickup with a TBI 305 that pinged real bad when I bought it but the knock sensor connector was just hanging. The seller didn't know any better.

I’ll check it hasn’t pinged and today I decided I’ll try to clear up the carbon a bit so I was foot to the floor a few times and I noticed the car sounded better after the 3rd time

 

[CaliWagon83]

I’ll check it hasn’t pinged and today I decided I’ll try to clear up the carbon a bit so I was foot to the floor a few times and I noticed the car sounded better after the 3rd time

Sometimes all it needs is a good "Italian tune-up." 😀