I have a 98 Ram 4X4 with a 5.9 and Auto trans. It is pinging like a #$@%*&^! even at low to moderate loads even on 91 octane. The timing in park, at idle is advanced by 4 degrees. I jumps past the scale when it is put in gear. I doen't think this is normal but i can't be sure. My local mech is stumped. I'm Afraid to go to the dealer. Any thoughts on what would cause this or how to rule out causes.

MODS:
Spiral wires
180 stat
50 series Flowmaster
Autolite 3923
Airaid filter charger

 

you cant measure the timing like the old cars... it's computer controlled. yank off your TB and look down into the intake and see if there is any oil pooling on the bottom of the intake. use a mirror & flash light. if you find any pooling, your plenum gasket is leaking and is most likely the source of your pinging. a light film is normal, pooling is not.

another possiblity is your fuel pressure regulator is not working right and your running lean... however... generally when they fail, you'd run rich from over pressure. something to consider...

btw, welcome to df.

 

I have just hear about the possible intake problem. How much oil consumption do you see if the gasket is bad. I only use a quart between changes with 85,000 miles on the engine. Can you give me an idea of what would be normal behavior for the timing.