Engine Ping 2001 Toyota Celica ce 1.8liter

I have a ping in my 2001 Toyota Celica ce 1.8liter that comes and goes. It sounds like a lifter should I remove head an and have it reworked can a burnt valve do that noise if not can you tell me what size would they be?

RESPONSE

Most engine pings that come and go are caused from bad fuel. The fuel is contaminated or extremely low on octane. I would first try a couple of tank fulls of high octane fuel from a different fueling station. If this does not remedy the situation you may need to have a more in depth look. Continuing to drive the vehicle this way may in fact cause damage to the valves and or pistons in the engine. A burnt valve will not make a ping noise or ticking noise.