Unlikely to be low octane, if the valve variable timing is working. Can't
think of a way it would stop with a 1/4 tank. More likely to be crud, as
others said.

--
Bob Burns
Mill Hall PA
email rlburns@uplink.net


"E. Meyer" <e.meyer@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:BB715259.E2E3%e.meyer@ieee.org...
> 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.
>