[steve]

My brothers 2000 ranger has 95,000miles. 3.0 5 speed and it has pinged under load for a long time but he would just let up on gas. Now he is moving far away and needs to pull a trailer (small one) but he wants to fix this issue.
What are his options being this motor has no distributor to back off timing. Thanks.

 

[Cuda_jim]

Good call, if the engine is truly pinging there could be serious engine damage....ie. holes in the pistons....especially if it's going to get worked hard (trailering)

Have the knock sensor checked. (if it has one) IDK?
Get a tune-up with OEM plugs ect.
Get the fuel from a different place.....a high volume station would be best. try using premium.

The timing can be monitored with a scan tool...in real time....along with the knock sensor.

 

[timw2]

3.0 ranger engine always pings.plugs help and clean fuel system but this is common for 3.0 do not worry about it you will never get rid of it.
Even with this issue it is a very reliable engine.should last well past 200k.
But putin a new set of plugs if it hasn't been done in a while.

 

[Boghog]

Check the TSB's for your model year and see if there is a PCM reflash.Also check the operation of your EGR valve and DPFE.

 

[oldtimer35]

I would check things like the MAF sensor to see if it has any dirt or debri on it. You can remove the sensor and clean it with carb cleaner and then blow it off with compressed air. Pinging is an indication of lean condition or over advanced timing. Of course, checking things like the spark plugs, fuel filter and air filter are always a good idea when going on a trip. Hope he gets his problem solved before taking off. :wink5: