oh no!

[viperct2001]

I put 93 octane in the Viper in a small gas station in Bridgeport, CT. Then after some slightly fast driving, (under 100mph) I hit traffic about an hour later, slowed to about 5-10mph and heard this strange sound coming from under the hood. The best way I can describe it is that it sounded like a long chain link being dragged very quickly on the ground. It wasn’t necessarily “pinging” in the engine, as it appeared very “tinny” and the “pings” were very closely timed to one another. Less than 1/4 second. It appeared to be on the left side, but it could just appear that way since I’m sitting closer to that side. Could have been coming from the middle of the engine.

I don’t know if the gas was the culprit or what. I could still hear it, though not as distinctly when I got back up to 55mpg. Then it stopped on it’s own just as suddenly as it appeared. Later on I put some more gas in, and still hasn’t returned.

Should I be concerned? Does anyone think the computer chip was just readjusting to some “less than optimal” octane gas at a rinky-dink operation or should I take the Viper in for a checkup? I’m guessing maybe the gas was diluted. Your thoughts?

Any at home stuff I can do to check the Viper? (I’m no mechanic mind you)

 

[Gerald]

STAY away from the Gas Station!

 

[GTS Dean]

Get it down to about 1/2 tank, then blend it with some top-quality premium fuel. Run that tank out and remember to buy gas from the high volume, major brand name distributors.

 

[joe117]

I thought the Viper had a knock detector that would retard the timing to keep it from knocking. It may have done that and it may have made an adjustment for it. I don't know if that adjustment, if it exists at all, is going to reverse itself. Someone will know.

 

[V10 MOJO]

I agree with staying away from smaller stations. here in ohio i only go to sunoco and use their 94 oct

 

[viperct2001]

If it's a bad lifter, how did it fix itself? It sounds just fine now. I'm apt to think it was the gas, but I could be wrong.

But just in case, any tips for checking for a bad lifter? Is it easily viewable just by lifting the hood and examining the engine?

I'd hate to have to take it to a Viper Tech, since I just had the oil changed 2 weeks ago and it's 30 miles out of the way.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by GTS Dean:
Get it down to about 1/2 tank, then blend it with some top-quality premium fuel. Run that tank out and remember to buy gas from the high volume, major brand name distributors.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I second that. Or even siphon out the old stuff and put in new.

 

[99 R/T 10]

I know a flame is coming, but if it were a sticky lifter, you could try putting in some Marvel Mystry Oil. It helped with a couple of other cars I had. Flame suit on.

Mike

 

[toddt]

No knock sensor? Frightnening.

All the more reason to:

<FONT size="4">USE ONLY THE BEST GAS IN YOUR VIPER</FONT s>

 

[treynor]

Vipers do not have knock sensors. It's possible you were hearing something unrelated to pinging, for instance a bad lifter.

 

[jimandela]

rdustman,
same here in Western New York, Sunoco 94 only! From
one of the busiest stations in town.
Don't want the car to

 

[joe117]

Sticky lifters will often fix themselves. I don't know if I would put any Marvel Mystery oil in it right now since you don't have the sound. Marvel will work to free up a sticky lifter, no lie, it works. I wouldn't use it to fix your Viper but if you have the sound and you think it might be a lifter, put some of that stuff in it and after awhile if the sound goes away, at least you know that there is a good chance that it is a sticky lifter. At that point, if it was a 83 pickup truck, I'd say I fixed it. At that point, with a Viper, I'd plan on getting the lifters changed soon.