I notice when at high RPMs I hear soem valve chatter pretty good. But If I run higher octane gas or an additive I don't hear it. Why is this? Is the chatter bad?

 

I think what your hearing is "spark knock" you usually get it with lower octane gas.

 

I know what cess is talking about I get the valve chatter too and it really doesn't sound like pinging from lower octane gas but maybe I will try out some 91 or 93 and see for sure for myself...

 

I know when I put high octane it stops. I just want to make sure it isn't going to hurt anything. I've got 130K on it now and I don't rememebr it being this noticible.

 

When you guys figure out exactly what it is, let me know also.I have tried 93 Octane with the same result....valve clatter at high rpms. Not sure if it matters, but mine is of the 5.9L breed with currently only a K&N cold air FIPK, and a Superchip tuner applied (set to 87 octane level...damn gas prices..) Recently minor tune up..( cap, rotor, wires and plugs)...correct me if im wrong, but you cant change the timing on these Ds right?

 

My 2000 5.2 L does it with cheap gas. mid grade takes care of it. My father-in-laws F150 is the same way. Thats how some motors are. I dont konw if it will hurt anything but I get better miles per gallon, more power, and no valve sounds with mid grade, to me its worth the 10 cents per gallon.

 

Run higher octane and since I am betting you have the 5.2L or 5.9L motor, switch the plugs out for Autolite 3923s. Yes... Autolite 3923s. Pinging cured.

Whatever you do... DO NOT go to the dealer complaining of pinging. They will 'fix' it alright, by changing the flash (also known as reprogramming) on the PCM (the engines controlling computer.) Let's just say that fix is also known as "the Death Flash" and that should tell you enough about what it will do to the Durango. Pinging will be cured by nutering the power and performance curves of the computer/engine. Not undoable.

IndyDurango

 

Indy is right. I have heared of the autolight 3923's working, but I will stear people away from autolight plugs.