On 8/26/03 4:32 PM, in article r0knkv432s7r5mvr9t15glku0edea5hhrk@4ax.com,
"Steve Lee" <hate@spam.com> wrote:

> I've posted about my pinging noise problem with my '03 Pilot here in
> here many times in the past and would like to thank all those who
> replies with their thoughts. Even though I haven't been able to get
> rid of the noise, I learned alot from your replies.
>
> But what I've noticed is that, when the fuel is relatively low, say
> with the guage reading about 1/4 or less, I noticed that my pinging
> noise gets louder than when the fuel tank is full. I've confirmed
> this with the last three fill-ups to make sure. Also, when the fuel
> is relatively low, the pinging noise sometimes even develops into a
> little crackle and I immediately let go of the gas from the noise
> startling me a little.
>
> As I've said in the past, the pinging noise isn't that loud at all,
> and you do have to listen for it. But it's definitely there.
>
> Have you guys ever heard of any noise issues being related to the gas
> tank being about 1/4 empty or less? Thanks to E. Meyer et. al, my
> window/door squeak/scrunch noise seems to be gone. Now, I just have
> this pinging noise to deal with and wanna get rid of it so badly.
>
> Any input or thoughts would be much appreciated.

The crud in the gas tends to settle around the bottom. You might have
gotten some gas from the bottom of the station's tank somewhere along the
line.

If sounds like pinging from low octane gas, you might try a different brand
of brand-name gas, or start buying premium if you aren't already. When I
have had engine issues with my Acura, the dealer has always suggested
running a couple of tanks of Chevron through it.

If better gas doesn't do anything for it, take it to the dealer with a 1/4
tank or less. Make sure the pinging is happening and just tell them it
pings. There could be a bad knock sensor or something that they should be
able to pinpoint.