Engine making a pinging noise - Off-Road Forums & Discussion Groups

#1 03-07-2005, 05:44 PM

I have a 01 ram 1500 with a 360 in it. I have been noticing that it makes a ticking, or a pinging type noise in the engine when it kicks into a lower gear or passing gear. I really notice it when i'm pulling my trailer and I go up a hill and it downshifts.

Anyone know what it may be?

Its under the limited powertrain warenty so before I take it to be looked at I would like to have an idea of what it may be.

Thanks Alot

#2 03-09-2005, 10:36 PM

The pinging/knocking is pretty common on the 360 when it's under a load at mid + rpm ranges. Unless it's a noise that has recently started, I wouldn't be too concerned.

97ZR2GUY · #3 03-25-2005, 01:29 AM

Are you using an oil....noticed a difference in performance...could be your intake plenum gasket.

#4 04-19-2005, 09:20 PM

You might also just need a tune up.

My 99 318 was pinging like crazy when I got it in October.

I replaced the rotor, distributor cap, plugs and wires and it almost completely went away. It made a major major improvement.

I'll also second that it could be your plenum gasket leaking.

soggysod · #5 04-30-2005, 10:35 PM

my guess plenum gasket same prob with very litle oil usage at first but got worse prob is using some oil and thats causin some ping check out oil usage soggysod

#6 05-16-2005, 10:57 PM

Two things you can try - Higher grade of fuel or their is a flash for your computer that is suppose to help the problem you describe. I'm not sure if it would be covered under your warranty and if your deductible is 100.00 dollars or more it wouldn't apply. We have seen where the flash has helped to some degree although not on all vech based on their use. Shouldn't cost more then an hour of labor to flash your computer.

Big Al

#7 09-26-2005, 08:16 PM

Pinging is actually pre ignition and can be and is often caused by red hot carbon particles in your combustion chamber, often on plugs or valves.

Timing advanced to far will also cause it although that should not happen with PCM control. Low octane will also cause pinging in high compression engines. My 65 GTO w/ 10.5 to 1 compression would ping at an idle with regular , not premium fuel.

Snap on claims to have a fuel injector / carbon cleaning product and machine and it did help my injectors, I can't say it cleaned any carbon. I ended up replacing the injectors in the end, anyway.