Whats the cause of a pinging in the engine?

Question

I have a subaru legacy 93,some times when am on a hill and press on gas to have power i some times hear this kind of noise from the engine (my friend told me it may be a pinging)

Answer 1

POOR gas, out of timing. ERG STUCK> vacuum leak? Diagnostics by dealer or good mechanic is the answer to good job

Possible timing belt??????

Answer 2

it could be getting a little warm how's the temp gauge read when this happens...

also if the ignition timing is too far advanced it can ping...is it sluggish on power when pinging occurs?

pinging also can be from using too low an octane of fuel are you using 89 octane or better without ethanol in it??

if not try 89 or better octane fuel or add sensor safe octane booster to the tank like the "Outlaw brand sold at most auto parts stores

Walt

Answer 3

Add a plastic can of 3M Total Fuel System Cleaner. NAPA and Car Quest has this product. Dump the entire 16 oz. can in your gas tank.
It cleans the throttle body, fuel injectors, intake manifold and intake valves. Most importantly it dissolves carbon formations in your combustion chambers that cause secondary flame fronts known as pinging or the sound of glass jars banging together.

Answer 4

Usually improper timing, too far advanced. but also cheap gas can cause it, try using premium grade after two tanks it should stop. Also a slightly clogged catalytic converter or other restriction in the exhaust can cause a pinging sound when under hard acceleration.

Oh and one more thing can cause it, a vacum leak. one of your vacum lines could be off or not on tightly.

Answer 5

Pinging is caused by the wrong type of gas. If you put the wrong type of gas in the car, it makes the pinging noise.

Answer 6

I think that might be a slight case of engine knocking in which the air fuel mixture detonates instead of combusting in the combustion chamber and that can tear up your cylinder wall and eventually destroy your engine. Go get it checked out ASAP if it gets louder or more frequent.

Answer 7

Some good answers above . No one mentioned lean fuel /air ratios. A dirty fuel injector, partially plugged fuel filter, MAP(manifold absolute pressure) or MAF(mass air flow) sensor can also create this.

Answer 8

to low of octane in the fuel and or to advanced timing

Answer 9

could be spark plug knock (gas octane too low ususally)
sticky valve, or (shudder) loose push rod.