[Cavy]

as most of you probably know i've been fightin spark knock in my 97 ever since i bought it. i replaced the spark plugs, plug wires, and cleaned a few things. then i found a tsb for all tbirds 91-97 and they said it was caused by contamination of the MAF. i replaced the maf last night and it appears to be gone...has anyone else had this problem?

 

[JustinH]

Sounds about right.

Change the fuel filter as well.

What plugs are you using.

Also how many miles on the bird? o2 sensors might be near their end of life as well.

 

[Cavy]

82k...i forgot i already replaced an o2 sensor and i used motorcraft double plat plugs and bosch wires and i changed the fuel filter

 

[sconut1]

Interesting question. Is spark knock the same thing as ping? The best way to describe the sound my car has started to do again is if you put marbles in a can and moved the can so that the marbles were rolling in the bottom of it (not shook it).

The problem went away last time when I started using higher octane gas (which I shoudn't have to do with at 3.8). Finally it kept doing it even with premium. I ran a can of Ford Tune-Up cleaner through it, left it sit overnight and reved the snot out of it the next morning. The car was good for about a year, (worked great on regular) but it's now starting again.

Do you folks think that changing the MAF would fix this, or is it a carbon problem.

 

[Cavy]

my car only had the spark knock at half throttle or more and it was really noticeable at full throttle around 90 mph....there is actually a technical service bulletin for all thunderbirds 91-97 and numerous other vehicles

 

[sconut1]

You know the TSB #? I wouldn't mind taking a look at it

 

[Cavy]

Tsb #98-23-10....HOPE THAT HELPS

 

[sconut1]

Cool! Thanks. I'm going to take a peek at this

 

[PCD]

I was having trouble with my 3.8L. I even put a colder range of plug in. Now, loading up on Amoco Ultimate did stop it for a while, but Changing the fuel filter and running a 30% mix of E85 in my tank took care of it and the car runs like a monster now. I'm going to Corcova on New Year's day to see how my 1/4 mile changes.

 

[Cavy]

i was just up at cordova for midnight madness this summer, but i didnt run my car

 

[PCD]

Cavy,

Jan, 1, Monday. $10 and it is "run what you brung". everything from motor homes to Top Fuel dragsters have shown up. It is called Hangoverfest. Once saw a guy with a WORK TRUCK WITH LADDERS HANGING OFF EVERYWHERE beat a kid and his "hot" import. DIE RICERS DIE!!!