ElwayLite

I deleted my thread on the pinging because I did some more search reading that refreshed my memory. Before my tacoma I owned a 98 Ford Ranger V6 which were notorious for having a pingin problem, 89 octane kinda fixed it, but the thing I found in the end that fixed it was i went from the 195 degree stock thermo to a 180 degree Jet thermo and the ping stopped. To any of you that have installed the TRD thermo is this a ping fix? And also, what are the pros of adding a TRD thermo to a truck without the S/C, the only con I can think of is how it affects the heater.

tomstin

The cooler thermostat helps the ping with the S/C but is not a fix. I notice no difference in heater output between the two.

ElwayLite

Thanks, thats what I though I remembered with my ranger that the thermo helped the ping, its strang about the heater though, my ranger took forever to warm up, i just chalked it up to the lower thermo but maybe it was faulty when new.

Dr. Zhivago

Gadget recommends using a 170* thermo from Napa Auto Parts. They're about $14. A LOT cheaper than the TRD model. Here's a link.

Hope this helps.
G

ElwayLite

Just out of curiosity, whats the stock thermo set at?

thanks

Dr. Zhivago

183* or so. It keeps a NA stock engine around 185-190*.

G

ElwayLite

As with transmission coolers, does a lower temp thermo extend engine life? I've always used it for curing ping, but was wondering what the other pro's are.

thanks

Dr. Zhivago

Well, too low of an engine temp will keep a modern EFI engine from reaching a fully warmed up state and fuel economy will suffer as well as bring the potential for increased combustion chamber deposits, which can reduce engine efficiency and also increase emmssions. However, on NA engine, lowering the operating temp only a few degress while running a free-flowing intake and exhaust, along with more advanced timing can yield some pretty good HP and Torque gains.

On forced induction engines, reduced cylinder head temps can greatly reduce the chance for detonation and also allow for more aggressive timing curves, with the former providing a better chance for engine durability and longevity and the latter providing better performance.

As for using a low temp thermo strictly as a method for prolonging engine life; it's probably not the cure-all you might be thinking of, but it does have it's uses.

Hope this helps.
G

ElwayLite

Sounds good, since I already have the exhaust and intake covered, Ill shoot for the Napa 170 soon.

thanks

Dr. Zhivago

YW. Keep an eye on your fuel economy and see if you notice a drastic reduction in MPG.

Good luck and let us know how it works out.
G

Gadget

A normally aspirated 3.4 should never ping. You should have your pinging problem diagnosed and cured instead of treating the symptoms with band aid fixes.

Gadget

X-AWDriver

Good advice Gadget,I saw people "band-aiding" things all the time at the dragstrip and it doesn't take long to realize you should have fixed it right the first time considering the "break" will cost more than the fix.

ElwayLite

Well what would be the cause of the ping, could it be something to do with the intake or something else to look for?