Engine Rattling Noise

So I have a problem. I started hearing a rattling noise coming from the Engine. I have an 05 Tacoma Regular Cab. Thought it could be my clutch but now I'm thinking differently. No engine light is on so I'm now confused. My truck runs fine it's just the noise is concerning. It only happens when I'm in gear either right when I'm accelerating or decelerating. Any thoughts on what it could be?

 

based on the careful details you provided, we can exactly nail down the problem

here is the answer

 

Haha okay I'll give you that one. Idk how else to describe the noise.

 

Just had a rattling noise on my 05. Turned out to be the heat shield on the drivers side cat was falling off. The fasteners rusted out. Worth a look.

 

Dis^

 

What ??

 

wut he said. Check cat shields

 

I had a loose Cat Shield. Fixed it and got rid of a noise.
Belt tensioner/idler pulleys were replaced. Got rid of another noise as well.

 

Do tacomas have timing chains?

EDIT:
http://toyota.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/7690/~/does-my-vehicle-have-a-timing-belt-or-timing-chain?

Yes, they do. It could be that but I only mention this because my current car (not a Tacoma) is notorious for rattling timing chains.

 

Yes

 

So I think I found the source of the "Rattling Noise" in my Taco. Just did an oil change and I about 1 Quart of oil in it. Go ahead start clowning lol now I just gotta test drive it and make sure that's what it was.

 

My sister brought her car to me one day wanting me to check out a horrible rattling noise coming from engine. Did an oil change and she was down to half a quart of black oil. I thought the engine was done for. Filled it up with fresh oil and the noise was gone instantly and been fine ever since. I guess oils important.

How many miles did you go without changing it, man? It's a friggin Tacoma you should be taking care of it!

 

I change it every 3,000 because of how much I drive everyday. I was over 1,500 miles man. I definitely slacked off. I have to take care of this one, I ruined my 98 PreRunner I had before.

 

Well... did it fix the noise? If you're saying you only drove it 4500 miles since last oil change, I'd be concerned with lack of oil....

 

Yeah so far I haven't heard the noise. I put 6.1 Quarts of oil which is the recommended so idk what could the issue. I just installed a K&N Cold Air Intake, don't know if that affects it (which I highly doubt).

 

If you drained only one quart and you've only driven 4500 miles from your last oil change and your Tacoma takes 6 quarts of oil, then your engine burned through (or leaked) 5 quarts of oil?

Something's wrong man!

 

Yeah obviously something is, but to know exactly what it is, impossible for me to know.

 

SELL IT

 

Why?

 

The unexplained oil loss (that's a LOT to go through in 5k miles) And even that isn't the nail in the coffin to me- if you were hearing tapping/rattling due to oil starvation that's no f'ing bueno. Thousands and thousands of miles worth of wear quite possibly occurred in that very short time... It's a mega bummer. Oil light is NOT an oil level warning- it's only oil pressure.