2000 Ford Windstar Engine knock

ADAMLEVENSON

MEMBER
2000 FORD WINDSTAR
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
159,000 MILES

I have a 2000 Ford Windstar, with a 3.8 liter engine with 159,000 miles. The engine starts up first time and sounds great during start up and idle. However, the engine seems to have a knocking sound during certain points of acceleration. It is not always there. The check engine light does not come on at all. As you can see the vehicle has some high mileage and has been a solid performer, with minimal problems. The vehicle just passed (via computer hookup) emissions testing as well I am trying to figure out what the problem could be. Any help would be appreciated.

Sunday, July 19th, 2009 AT 10:41 AM

3 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Would you describe this as a marbles in a tin can noise?

IF so it is pinging. Post back.

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Monday, July 20th, 2009 AT 5:20 PM

ADAMLEVENSON

MEMBER
2 POSTS

According to my wife, yes it is. She is the primary driver of the vehicle.

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Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 AT 5:46 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Okay this is pre-detonation or pinging. A dirty MAF sensor can cause this, low octane fuel, carbon build up on the head or a pcm upgrade may be needed are the most common things on the ford. Dirty MAF being the most common.

The ignition in the combustion chamber happens to early is the cause of the noise.

There is a cleaning procedure for the MAF on this site and is where I would start. I can locate it if you can't find it."How to service" is where it is at I think.

Bumping up the octane may help also.

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Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 AT 8:05 PM