Hollow rattle when accelerating

I been getting a hollow tapping/rattle in front Driver side when accelerating 15-45 mph usually when the engine is hot and I have been driving for 15 min or so. It seems like the metal tapping sound gets faster as I accelerate then goes away when past 45 mph or going steady speed. Bumps don’t affect it. I don’t think a suspension issue. 70,000 miles on it and it’s a 2013 Toyota Tacoma prerunner v6 sr5. Any info would be great if anyone has had a similar issue. Thanks!

 

Cat cover? “Heat shield “

 

I was thinking that too. I checked it and looks to be fine. Not loose or anything.

 

Engine ping?

 

I think your right. I looked it up and it sounds like pinging. I was thinking about changing spark plugs and using higher octane fuel.

 

I think my 2015 at 96k has been pinging a bit lately too. Is there anything to address this other than running higher Octane fuel? I'm about due for a plug change.

 

Thanks for posting this. I too have been getting noticeably strong ping on initial acceleration, especially in highway stop and go traffic and with the arrival of the high temperatures here lately since early July, and the engine is lugging a bit until the transmission kicks down. If I have to get on the pedal to merge from an on-ramp to climb quickly from 45-65 mph, with or without a strong down-shift: it doesn't do it.

I've mostly used the same brand of major oil company fuel for years. I switched gas-stations and the brand and it mostly went away. Went back to my usual brand at a half tank fill-up and back it came. I was thinking time for new plugs, but I suspect maybe they're playing games with the fuel blend. Real nice of them at the current $3.79 price per gallon going on here recently.