I searched the 2nd gen forum and found tons of good info already on this subject.....but wanted to get some up to date clarification.

With normal driving, I do not hear any pinging/knocking. BUT...If I start to climb a hill at 55mph and the truck is still in OD I will hear what sounds like a pinging/knocking-maybe even a heat_shield_rattle type of noise. When it downshifts, I can still hear some knocking, but not as much as when it was in OD.

Oil consumption is about 1/2 quart every 5k. 202,000 miles, 5.9L, 4 x 2

What can I do to narrow the problem down? I understand it could be the plenum gasket, but could it be something simpler?

Has anyone here had similar symptoms? --and the fix, what did the real fix end up being?

 

sounds like the plenum... you should have a look at it.

 

Hi ChrisTX, I have a 98 quad cab 5.9L and have already had an intake manifold gasket installed. I have always had a spark knock in the truck since new and the only way it would go away is premium gasoline. Especially when I tow my 5th wheel.
I live in eastern Canada and even in the winter, it's premium gas.

Cheers KayakMan

 

get a 180 degree stat and run premium.. it'll go away

 

Turn the radio up!
[sm=happybounce.gif]

 

Try these three things...
1. Premium Fuel (for the pinging)
2. Use an oil additive ie: lucas (for the rattling)
3. When all else fails roll down the windows, turn up the heat with the radio

 

you could do the crank position mod if everything else fails.

instead of advancing the timing you'ld problably want to retard it.

 

-check plenum
-premium fuel
-colder heat range spark plugs like autolite #3923
-180* thermostat (but does reduce your interior heat)
-crank position sensor mod except retard timing (last resort)

 

Check the plenum, I'm with Steve

The 180 t stat will help though to, but not if the plenum is shot