nrp wrote:

It has taken a long time for me to understand the difference between
detonation and pinging. Detonation quickly wrecks engines and grossly
feeds on itself.

Pinging is the knocking sound you hear when the air fuel mixture
ignites or explodes prematurely when the piston is still compressing
the mixture. I think the effect you describe as pinging is commonly
called pre-ignition. It differs from detonation in that there is an
alternate ignition source in the cylinder. Both pre-ignition and
detonation can cause an engine to ping or knock.

In an aircraft engine, detonation usually comes from using gasoline
with a lower than required octane rating (a.k.a. anti-knock index).
Pre-ignition is usually the results of cylinder contamination by bits
of carbon, or ash residue from using automotive type oils.

John Galban=====N4BQ (PA28-180)