Hello! I have been reading through the forum for some time and have a few questions about my '95 4X4 with the 5.2L.

I purchased this truck about 3 months ago. It only has 124K on the odometer and runs well. It needed some maintenance work. I have serviced the trans, replaced shocks, replaced a few seals that were leaking, and did a minor tune-up.

For the tune-up, I replaced the plugs with Autolite 3923s, new air filter, new PCV, and new crankcase ventilator.

Now for the questions. When I purchased the truck, it had the exhaust modified. The previous owner had dual mufflers and tail pipes from the cat to the back. He stated a local shop had done the work. It looks and sounds fine. The only problem I have is that the truck pings a little under acceleration. i was wondering if the exhaust has anything to do with this?

Also, other than running higher octane (more expensive) gas, is there anything I can do to remedy the pinging? The pinging was present prior to the tune-up and did not change after the tune-up.

This truck is fun to own. The specs are 5.2L, 4X4, 3.90 gears with limited slip. The body is a little rough but I do live in the rust belt. This truck scoots and replaces a '94 Dak V6 that had 256K on the odo. I hope to continue to fix the little things this truck needs and be driving it as long as possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to DF!

The Autolites were the best to use for pinging, and yes the higher octane gas will help.
Most likely the pinging is cause by a bad intake plenum gasket, they are notorious for leaks. Just replace the gasket, even better replace the plenum pan with an aluminum one.
http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/p...3&partid=26190

 

Now the check engine light is coming on intermitantly. Would the plenum gasket leak cause the check engine to come on? Can an autoparts store plug it in and get a code or is there another way to get a code?

 

The FAQ tells you everything you need to know about checking the codes yourself. No need to go to the parts store.

 

Thanks for the help! Looks like codes were 12,32,55. It appears it's time to replace the EGR valve.

 

You could just try cleaning it good first to save a few bucks.

 

I was trying to find info on cleaning it. Can I just take it off and clean it well with carb cleaner?

 

It may not be the EGR valve itself. I had a plenum leak that resulted in the passageway from the EGR valve to the inside of the intake being plugged with buildup. Obviously even a working EGR valve can’t circulate exhaust gas through a plugged passageway.

 

That's exactly what my GFs is like. Just gotta clean the passages and EGR valve and you should be good. And even if the plenum isn't leaking, I think its a good idea to change it for the aluminum plate anyway. Saves you the trouble of having to do it down the road when you might not have the money for it, you never know what could happen right

 

Thanks for the help! This may have to wait until spring regardless. It's winter and I'm not sure I want to spend a day and a half wrenching in the cold. I will keep an eye on the oil level and if it gets too bad I will break down and fix it right away.