[apolinaras]

I have 00 Vulcan with 50K on it. I have been to the dealer like 9 times. They have replaced the MAF, reflashed the computer about 5 times. I have replaced spark plugs to Autolite Double Platinums. Everything just reduced the knock, but even in winter under heavy acceleration until I hit at least 3500 RPM knocking is there, you can't miss it. In summer it just gets bad.

I don't want to mess up my mileage with any tweaks, since I get my 320miles on a full tank and with prices of gas in Chicago I can't even do 89 octane (BTW even if I fill 89 octane, I still get knocking).

Would that Water Wetter help in this situation? Do I just need to add it to my coolant, or should I replace all the fluid with water and water wetter mixture? Will it freeze in winter? Will it void my extended warranty?

Thanks.

 

[spridget]

I don't understand how water wetter would affect knocking.

If you plan to use it though, I suggest you go ahead and flush and fill the coolant system and add the water wetter per directions on the bottle. It can be used with or without antifreeze. It might improve your cooling system, but I don't think it will improve the knock.

 

[alex_perry]

if nothing has done it thus far, i'd be worried about rod bearings... I know its a new car, but i've seen weirder.

 

[apolinaras]

I was thinking it would reduce the temperature of the headers and therefor stop pre-igniting.

 

[sixfofalcon]

Originally posted by spridget@Apr 6 2004, 03:24 AM
I don't understand how water wetter would affect knocking.

If you plan to use it though, I suggest you go ahead and flush and fill the coolant system and add the water wetter per directions on the bottle. It can be used with or without antifreeze. It might improve your cooling system, but I don't think it will improve the knock.

Actually, it could reduce knock, theoretically. Water Wetter allows the water/coolant to encapsulate any bubbles that collect at the heads. These bubbles normally just stay there, as they create a "hot spot" which boils off some of the coolant. Any of the air that is carried away with the coolant is replaced, since that exact spot is hotter than the rest of the head and ther would be some localized boiling of the coolant. It's usually not a huge problem, but in theory, Water Wetter can help by allowing the coolant to more easily wet-out that area and cool it down, preventing localized boiling of the coolant.

Water Wetter also increases the heat transfer from the head and water jackets to the coolant. So the engine block and head temp stays closer to the temp of the coolant. And the coolant can disperse more heat via the radiator, as well. Treating a 50/50 mix of coolant with Water Wetter gives the same cooling results as if you were running straight water.

 

[mikehawk]

If he were willing to spend the dough, couldn't he ship his heads (or a spare set) to Bob for a port & polish? I read that one of the things P&P guys work on is getting rid of hot spots, as well as improving flow through the ports and valves.

 

[kermitec]

Has the dealer followed all the procedures suggested in this TSB ?

SPARK KNOCK—SPARK KNOCK ON HEAVY Article No.
ACCELERATION—VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L 00-25-5
2-VALVE ENGINE
FORD: 2000-2001 TAURUS
1999-2000 WINDSTAR
MERCURY: 2000-2001 SABLE
This article is being republished in its entirety to a. Using NGS Flash Card (4.2 level or higher)
update the vehicles affected. and Flash Cable, select “Service Bay
Functions”.
ISSUE
b. Select “Powertrain Control Module”. Some vehicles equipped with the 3.0L 2-valve
engine may exhibit a spark knock condition on c. Select “EEC-V Configure”.
heavy acceleration with 87 octane gasoline. Hot
weather and lower octane gasoline may contribute d. Press trigger to continue on emission
to the concern. compliance authorization screens.
e. Highlight the Octane Adjust column and ACTION
press trigger, then rotate the dial to change If the spark knock condition is still present after
the ignition timing from “No Retard” to performing normal diagnostics, check for potential
“Retard”. Press trigger again. lean contributors and perform Engine Octane
Adjustment. Refer to the following Service
f. Highlight Fuel Octane and press trigger,
Procedure for details.
then rotate the dial to set the octane to 87
Octane and press trigger again. SERVICE PROCEDURE
g. Press the Start button. You should receive a 1. Verify spark knock condition and follow normal
message saying that the change has been diagnostics found in the Powertrain
successful. Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Service
Manual. NOTE
FAILURE TO PRESS THE START BUTTON WILL 2. If spark knock condition is still present after
RESULT IN CHANGES IN OCTANE normal diagnostics, perform the following steps.
ADJUSTMENT NOT BEING ACCEPTED.
3. Check all potential lean contributors including:
h. Exit out of Service Bay Functions.
a. BARO reading (mass air flow sensor) is
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE correct at 150Hz+ at sea level.
SUPERSEDES: 00-22-3
b. Verify correct fuel pressure. WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The
Provisions Of Bumper To c. Check for vacuum leaks at the brake
Bumper Warranty Coverage booster, vacuum hoses/plumbing, vapor
And Emissions Warranty management valve, evaporative emission
Coverage plumbing, and intake manifold gaskets.
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
002505A Perform Engine Octane 0.6 Hrs. d. Compare Long and Short Fuel Trims (LFT
Adjustment and SFT) to verify normal operation which is
DEALER CODING ±5%.
CONDITION
4. Use a New Generation Star (NGS) Tester to BASIC PART NO. CODE
perform an Engine Octane Adjustment using 12A650 42
the following procedure: OASIS CODES: 497000, 615000, 615500, 702100
Copyright © 2000 Ford Motor Company PAGE 1

 

[shoz123]

Have you tried a colder plug?

 

[deniz]

Yeah- the TSB that Kermitec posted is right on. Unfortunately even the dealership can't always correct this problem. The Vulcans are known for pinging and I have heard from several people over the years here on this forum complain about it. The consensus was usually that they took their bulls to the dealer over and over again and nothing worked. Seems to be a flaw in the design.

 

[kermitec]

One thing I have heard of as a last resort type of cure is to put in a colder thermostat than stock use 180 or 190 degrees. I think someone with a 3.0 Ranger did this and it worked supposedly because it cools the combusttion chamber better

 

[DayOff]

I had the knock problem with my 98 Vulcan, using 89 octane gas. I switched to 93 and haven't had a problem since.

 

[eagle888]

I have a 98 Contour with the 2.0L Zetec that will ping like crazy in the summer using regular gas. I switched to high test (93) and that solved the problem.

 

[silvapain]

Originally posted by SHOZ123@Apr 8 2004, 08:40 PM
Have you tried a colder plug?

he would have to replace plugs all the time if he went to copper.

Have you flushed ot your cooling system lately? If it's been four years, it's probably time to do it. If/when you do, use Water Wetter (or purpke ice, like I use), and go a little heavy on the water.