2000 V70 Engine Pinging

[famfeld]

Hi. My engine pings on acceleration. I use 93 or 91 gas which significantly reduces the problem but it doesn't go away completely. Any ideas. A mechanic coworker mentioned the EGR valve. Thanks

BTW: car is non-turbo, 2 wheel drive

Thanks

-Fel

[oragex]

Had the same issue on non turbo.

Most important, use the Volvo OEM spark plugs for your engine or make sure they are not worn. Mines were the three tip ones, but it's a 2003 engine. Make sure the thermostat is not stuck closed and it's the right part (has a different opening temperature than the one on turbo engines). Keep using 93 gas.

All this has to do with combustion chamber temperature.

[draser]

Other causes are carbon deposits in combustion chamber - consistent with an old engine, running lean - could check fuel trims for an indication of that.

[FLXC90]

Make sure your Knock sensors are working, they retard the timing if pinging is detected, to protect your motor.
+1 on proper tune-up parts.
I personally had good luck with a seafoam treatment through the intake manifold on my 98 with 200k+ (how much with a bad PCV I don't know)

Those three things will improve the tolerance of your motor for less-optimum fuels. They were designed for good stuff and your mpg will increase due to peak efficiency, so the trade-off isn't as bad.

[oragex]

Make sure your Knock sensors are working, they retard the timing if pinging is detected, to protect your motor.
+1 on proper tune-up parts.
I personally had good luck with a seafoam treatment through the intake manifold on my 98 with 200k+ (how much with a bad PCV I don't know)

Those three things will improve the tolerance of your motor for less-optimum fuels. They were designed for good stuff and your mpg will increase due to peak efficiency, so the trade-off isn't as bad.

I also did pour some 'top engine cleaner' inside the cylinders, because it was quite nasty down there (as seen by the spark plug hole). Left it in there during one night, replaced the oil afterwards. The down side, my O2 sensor went soon after, although I can't say whether it was related to the cleaner or not.. In all cases, a new O2 is only $100 and it's more than time to replace it at high miles.

[FLXC90]

When you cleaned it, did you pour in through the spark plug holes? If that is how you did it, it only cleaned the tops of the pistons, and the cylinders around the rings. Follow the procedure to suck it in through the intake with the motor warmed up and running, that way you get the valves, seats as well. Gets ALL that carbon out of there.

[famfeld]

Thanks for the help!!

I notice this is related to engine temp (it seems air intake temp.) The engine has 200 K on it and shows some signs of wear. Now that its colder this week in New England, I haven't had the pinging, but I still want to optimize the running of the engine. I took out the plugs and they seemed good. They were the type that has 3 electrodes. I may replace them soon and I will try to clean the intake.

Thanks,

-Fel

[oragex]

Don't forget to check the thermostat, does the cabin heater blow hot air or just warm? You should not be able to keep a hand on the vents for more than 10 sec with the heater at max temp.

[eythorsig]

An old thread I known, but did you manage to eliminate the pinging? I have the same issue on my non-turbo V70 from 2000. I have no error codes, but the pinging is quite severe at 2000-2500 rpm.