One never knows, right? I had to pay dealer to re-adjust rockers on my Ridgeline, her still being under warranty, due to loud rockers noise. It was "normal". My ars. Like I don't know what a 50 000 miles Honda engine should sound like.
Hi David. Was good reading your voice.

 

Before going through the hassle of changing out the knock sensor, do a trail run and check this out :


The VVTi solenoid is prone to clogging, or getting sluggish when oil pressure is low.


Do an oil change and put in 5W20 dino oil instead of the 0W10 synthetic. I did that and I only have to run mid grade octane fuel to get the ping to go away.


I'm ready to replace the solenoid (Oreilly part number ) but since I use the car to drive Uber 6 days a week, 350 miles a day, I keep putting it off.

Try the oil change first. If that corrects the ping, then you know it's the solenoid (a LOT easier to get to than the knock sensor). I made the mistake of changing out my knock sensor. Complete waste of an entire day and $120 for the part. Didn't change a thing.

 

This is an old thread. I never did change the knock sensor... Looked like too much of a PITA.

Where is this solenoid located? Since you've posted this I have done a little research and I'm still researching (past few minutes). It looks like there is a "bolt with a filter" somewhere too. I would like to pull both parts and inspect/clean them.

I have used Mobil 1 0/20 oil from day one and don't plan to change that. Especially since I just did the oil change.

Thanks for the info. I have put a TON of miles on this car since I first posted this thread. I started to notice it around 70,000 miles and after 165,000 miles it seems like it got a little worse. Only in the summer time though. Dealer had no idea what was causing it and was never able to help me out (years ago).

Now I have over 270,000 miles and the issue is still there. It goes away completely in the winter time when temps are NOT up in the 90's. When I do have the issue, I will run a tank of 93 through it and it will go away for a couple tanks. For the past couple years the car has only seen top tier gas from Mobil, Shell or Valero.

One thing I have noticed and I have been able to confirm over those years and miles is this... The engine does NOT consume oil when it's NOT pinging. During the months when the pinging is going on, I feel like I'm constantly topping up the oil. I do 7500 mile oil change intervals and during the months the pinging is going on, I have to add about 1 and 3/4 qts. between changes. In the winter less than a qt. This has been the norm since new.

 

OK.... I just went outside and had a look. It looks like the solenoid is below the brake fluid reservoir on the back side (intake side) of the head. So, the bolt and screen should be somewhere in that vicinity as well... Correct?

I have been reading a few threads on other forums and it looks like the solenoid can be tested, taken apart, cleaned and bench tested. If it's dirty, the snap ring on the end can be removed to allow access to the plunger, cap and spring. I was also reading that if there is any noise or resistance (at all) in the "movement" of the plunger, it should be replaced.

It makes sense that thicker non synthetic oil stops the pinging. Because if this part became excessively worn, the loose tolerance of the plunger in the bore, combined with thinner synthetic oil is allowing oil to "bypass" certain areas of the plunger at lower RPMs!

Makes sense to me!

I'm going on vacation for a week tomorrow. So, I put it up on ramps and get a closer look when I get back. Thanks again for the info. Worth a shot!

If you figure out where the "screen and bolt" are, please let me know...

 

Is there any chance I could use your all data account as well?