" wrote:
>
> I have a engine ping or knocking sound (kind of like a gurgling
> metalic) sound from my engine
> that seems to occur at specific rpm ranges. It has happened on and off,
> mostly in the summer. The car has 180K, I take it to a trusted mechanic
> and do all of the 15,000 mile maintenance work recommended by honda,
> including oil changes every 6k.
> Before taking it to the mechanic, is there anything cheap I can try?
> Thanks

-------------------------------

Easiest thing to check is the coolant. If the reservoir looks empty,
fill the reservoir to MAX (with engine cold) and see if it is lower the
next time the engine is cold. As the cooling system expels air it uses
coolant from the reservoir to replace the air. If you fill to max three
days in a row it should stop 'using' and you may see your ping goes
away. The computer can't set timing and mixture properly when the
coolant sensors are surrounded by air. That can cause ping. No tap water
BTW.

'Curly'