Rattling Noise on Acceleration

About 4 weeks ago I started to hear a rapid rattling noise when accelerating(between slow to moderate acceleration). This would happen between 1500-2000 RPM's and in 3rd or 4th gear where I could hear it the worst.
For the past 4 months I have been driving on 87 octane fuel with no ethanol.
I took it to my family mechanic and after driving with me for a while he said that it's most likely pinging. He told me that VVT-I engines coupled with low octane fuel and really hot temperatures(which started about 4 weeks ago in the 100F range) could cause that to happen. He suggested to fill up on premium and that the noise would go away.
Well, I ran the tank dry and filled up on 91. Within 3-5 miles of driving I could no longer hear the noise. And no matter what I did I could not get it to repeat whereas before it was very easy to get it to happen.
The problem appears to be solved. I just find it hard to believe that that is the case. Has anyone ever had this problem and found that premium fuel to be the fix? I took it to the Toyota dealer and they couldn't find anything(this was when already running on premium). They said it's normal.
I bought this truck in the end of September of 2010 so I didn't have a chance to drive it in hot temperatures so I don't know if the problem existed back then or not.
A little info on my truck. I have a K&N air filter installed and Pulstar Pulse plugs. Everything else is stock. After reading about the CAI intake causing the truck to run lean I thought that maybe the K&N filter might be doing something similar but I don't know. Haven't tested yet.
I have read all over the internet about Tacoma engine noise and can't find anything that describes my problem. I know about the injector noise and this is not it.
If anyone can help me out with some information I would appreciate it. Thank you.

 

It sound exactly like post #4 of this thread: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-clicking-noise-after-2000-rpm-any-ideas.html

Is this what an exhaust manifold leak sounds like? I see that a lot of people have this problem with their trucks.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

i have a very very similar problem. i am trying to figure out what is wrong as of now, and havnt thought of running on premium. im definitely going to try this.

 

I too have the same rattling noise comming at around 1500 rpm while accelerating . Did you ever find out what the noise was?

 

I have a 2013 v6 that has this exact same rattling when accelerating between 1500 and 2000 rpm's. It's not even consistent all the time which makes it really aggravating. It sounds like a rocker arm is loose or something. Anyway no luck at dealer either on my last two visits telling them about this. Taking it to dealer today for my regular maintenance checkup. If they tell me again they can't hear it then I'm dealing with service manager to get an answer. This is a brand new truck and should not be putting out this kind of noise. I'm not putting up with this bs anymore. Will let you know what I find out.

 

Its definitely not a rocker arm (Tacomas don't have those).
Have the service manager go for a ride with you. If he won't, then go to another dealer.

 

Did you ever figure it out?

 

I beleive this TSB should cover all years from 2005 through 2014 . Unfortunately, the TSB only covers 2012 and up . The only thing I can suggest is new spark plugs and clean throttle body and mass air flow sensor until Toyota fesses up and retro,s the tsb back to 2005
At this point in time , its up to you to determine if you are feeling the same issue as these 2012 owners .
Read here http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...14-feedback-engine-ecm-reprogram-pinging.html

And here http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-rough-shift-into-5th-gear-5.html#post9187426


If you believe your issue sounds similar to what these guys are complaining about , You may want to try having your ECM flashed, This is a guesstimate diagnosis , but from your explanation , it sure sounds like what the 2012,s are complaining about

 

I've was having a noise similar to previously described on acceleration that was resolved.

I have a 2010 tacoma 4 cyl manual transmission. When I began to accelerate through the first two or three gears there was a rattle that seemed to come from the engine compartment on the passenger side.
When I brought it in to the dealership they determined that it was due to the front right wheel bearing. This was changed, fortunately for me it was covered by the extended warranty.
I drove out of the dealership and the same rattling noise occurred. Come to find out the rattling was due to a shield on the catalytic converter that was vibrating due to a rusted bolt. The bolt was replaced and the noise on acceleration disappeared.

 

Hey Y'all Idk if this is a similar noise but i fixed this on mine.... you can hear the noise here when I touch my Catalytic Converter Heat shield (see video)...it had rusty rivets that I replaced with bolts...my brackets were rusted thru on the upper half so I used it as a spacer but painted my lower half (see pictures of brackets). Put it back together and no more noise. I hope this helps.

Heres the video: https://youtu.be/kJKhSzQKVgw

Heres the location of the problem:

Heres the brackets:

And my bolt fix (2) bolts, (4) flat washers, (2) lock washers and (2) nuts:

Its just a band-aid till i get a new exhaust after the winter.

Sorry for the small pictures, Im new to forum posting.

 

My 2013 Tacoma is making that noise as well. I checked my heat shield all fine. Does anyone know what else it could be?

 

Check the tsb quoted above?

 

I have had the same problem with others trucks with the heat shield. Quick fix for it is get a large hose clamp. Put it around the converter and tighten with screwdriver.

 

Michaelholder did u ever find out what that sound was?

 

For what it's worth I always run 93 fuel, engine runs much smoother. I know... it's tuned for 87.

 

Having a similar issue, I'll check the heat shield, but wouldn't it rattle all the time and not just that RPM range?

 

Not from my memory.. just get under there and smack it around.
Havent had mine for years now.

 

That will be toMorrows mission I think. Thank ou for the reply!

 

Sno prollem.

Rattles seem to have a certain preferred freq required to resonate... im currently tracking down a back seat rattle around 2k rpm.