The sound isn't very audible and I have to really listen hard for it but it sounds like a hammer beating on a metal pipe in rapid succession. I would hear a noise like "tink tink tink" real quickly and it would last for a few seconds.
Some background: I took my car into PepBoys for servicing. Had them replace my spark plugs with Autolite XP Iridium spark plugs (also asked for an oil change but they didn't do it even though I paid for it. So I had sludge in the engine for a little while, went maybe 1k to 2k over the recommended oil change limit). Also put in premium gas and a bottle of STP gas treatment into the tank (the STP gas treatment has been sitting around the trunk of my car forever) prior to the spark plug and 'oil change'.
My gas mileage has been sloppy for a couple of months thereafter. Went from 15mpg to 12mpg. But did not notice decrease in drive-ability, acceleration or engine stalling. My gas mileage basically turned garbage after the servicing and gas treatment. A few days ago I noticed the 'pinging' sound.
Only a few days ago did my mpg went back up a little bit. (That's because I think I finally ran the STP crap out of the system).
Also checked the oil a few days ago (that's when I realized PepBoys didn't change the oil), and it look like the coffee I drink, except thicker. Had the oil changed at Walmart the following day and it still makes the noise (check engine light also came on. And Walmart did change the oil b/c I checked this time btw).
So what would it be? Is it an engine ping? Was the cause of the noise a result of running premium gas with an STP detergent (that may have been expired), or would it be that the spark plugs are running too hot? I've been on regular octane ever since I pumped that tank of premium mixed with STP.
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Friday, December 28th, 2007 AT 8:52 AM
