rzl

my car sounds like a diesel when going uphill or during hard acceleration. sounds like a pinging sound. any recommendations?

Bedore

What kind of fuel do you run? Is your check engine light on? Maybe you have a problem with your knock sensors? If you suspect it's knocking/pinging, try running some premium fuel in it to see if the problem disappears. Although do expect that the problem could go deeper than changing your fuel grade.

I had a 1996 Lincoln Town Car with the 4.6. The 4.6 is not equipped with knock sensors, and it would knock like a bastard under any type of hard acceleration. Using premium fuel would make the noise mostly disappear, but after a good 3 or 4 engine cleanings with seafoam, I could run regular with no problems. Since the car was elderly owned before me, I suspect that the motor was carbon fouled (from nothing but low speed town/church runs, and never driven hard), and the seafoam cleanings took care of the carbon buildup in the top end.

Also check your oil level. I suspect it's fine but you never know.

rzl

i run regular gas but i'm switching to premium this week. my check engine is not on. i'll look into the seafoam. thanks.