2009 V6 (1GR-FE) started knocking

The 1GR-FE in my 2009 Access Cab SR5 TRD Off-Road started knocking under moderate load. I notice it if, for example, I'm climbing a hill (on-road) and get behind in the throttle application a little bit and have to play catch up. If I had to pick an RPM, I'd say it happens around 1,750. I run 87 octane fuel and the truck is well maintained.

It's not a crazy amount of knocking, but enough that I started to take notice.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

How old are the plugs? Ive noticed ping when the plugs are overdue.

 

Uh...original. 114k.

 

Uhhhh...I think they're meant to be like 30K

Get some new OEMs in there stat.

 

Well, they are Densos.

Shit, totally forgot about the plugs.

What about the wires?

 

I'm at 135K on the original wires. They're probably fine. whatever you do don't put in autozone wires and the bullshit iriduium multi-point bullshit snake oil plugs. Papa toyota knows best.

 

I only use OEM parts in my Yotas. I’m a douchebag (in a good way) like that.

 

No wires only coil boots, if they are in good condition put some dielectric grease on them and you should be good.
Make sure to check for oil in the spark plug tubes while your there, if oil is present you will need to do valve cover gaskets soon.

 

There really aren’t any wires. It’s a Coil on Plug system. I’d just do the plugs. My advice is -Stick to OEM plugs.

 

Denso K20HR-U11 or

$6 NGK LFR6C-11 V-Power Spark Plug, Pack of 1

NGK LFR6C-11 are the OEM plug numbers, the Denso's seem to wear slightly slower than the NGK's.

 

Thanks for the replies.

Do I need to be wary of the 13-year-old factory plugs being seized in the heads?

 

Maybe...IF they are coming out HARD, loosen them a quarter of a turn, spray a bunch of WD-40 down the holes and let them sit for a couple of hours. Then try loosening them.
Only do this when the engine is cold, like after it's been sitting all night.

 

Well maintained huh…plugs are the heart of the engine. It’s more than oil changes my friend. While it’s a part clean the throttle body. Hit mass airflow sensor with mass airflow cleaner. A new air filter and you should be good to go.

 

Picking up new K20HR-U11s today.

Not directly related:

What is the compression ratio of the 1GR-FE and do I remember something about 89 octane being the nominal fuel with 87 being “acceptable”?

Thanks.

 

Like already mentioned, just make sure the engine is completely cooled down. I think the overnight first thing in the morning is my favorite approach.
I used a small brush and put a little never seize on the threads of the new plugs but guess it's not really necessary.

 

I should check records and see how long ago I replaced the plugs in my wifes 2013. Not long ago....earlier this year
It's not a difficult job, iirc remove a metal bracket on the driver's side then loosen the air filter housing and move it out of the way...after the engine cover, one bolt for each coil and easy to disconnect wires to the coil. The plugs didn't need much if any gap changed, but just check them.

 

Got it, thanks.

Did the factory apply anti-seize, I wonder?

 

I think the plating on the plugs so it's not required. Uh, there was another post somewhere on TW and I think they had actual verbiage from mfgr that it wasn't needed. I put a little bit on there anyway. Just light coat with acid brush. Like for soldering paste.

 

Here's a couple things I just screenshot from NGK and from Denso goggle it