Spark Knock? V6 Pre

Bought a 12 Prerunner V6 94k miles about three weeks ago and it’s been great so far. Took it to my mechanic and he said it’s in fair condition just recommended some tune up stuff for the mileage. Replaced the spark plugs myself and now I’m getting something I’ve seen called “spark knock”. I’m not able to get a good recording but this yt video of an f150 is the exact same sound. Between a flutter and a rattle.

https://youtube.com/shorts/iBEfW-1ue88?si=pX82XnwPphbfIzOo

I’ve double checked the gaps and coil wiring and nothing seemed out of wack. Used the owners manual spec’d out NGK LFR6C11s I got from RockAuto. Denso K20HRU11s are also spec’d out and both plugs were in either side of the engine which threw me off but I read multiple times that Tacos come like that from the factory and using 6 of either shouldn’t be a problem.

Not sure what to do and if this is a dire situation. I’ve seen people on here say that using premium gas should fix it but the manual says reg 87 is fine. What causes this? I want to keep this truck for a long time so I’d like to fix the root problem if there is one. I noticed it after I changed the plugs and the engine started funny but that went away after a couple cranks. It would start, drop in rpm for a split second and flash my engine battery and oil temp lights, then go back to normal. I also got cheap gas from a truck stop like a day or two before replacing them but I wasn’t listening for anything so it could’ve started before the replacement.

 

Welcome, based on my research here on tacomaworld, the 1gr on the Tacoma is notorious for spark knock when it’s hot outside and you have the engine under load

 

Miles on truck? Any awareness of previous owner and how they used it?

It could be simple carbon build up on piston tops/valves which raises compression. Often occurs when people drive like they have an egg under their foot all the time and use fly by night gas.

I'd be inclined to use a Techron injector cleaner treatment along with a top tier regular fuel and give it some hard pulls (Italian tune up) as you go about your business.

That *could* clear your problem, and it's simple and cheap. Always start simple and work your way up.

I've also had a detonation problem in the past when a vehicle wasn't cooling properly. I don't mean overheating, but not cooling as well as it should. If you have no maintenance history, a cooling system service may be a good idea regardless.

 

I did a trip to Death Valley earlier this summer and going uphill on a steep grade with the ac blasting I heard rattling coming from the steering wheel/dash area. Tacomaworld told me it was spark knock so I put in 91 on my next tank (filled up earlier in a podunk gas station in the middle of nowhere) and I put in a bottle of Techron and did an Italian tune up and the rattle hasn’t come back since

 

Heard that as well. Theres a TSB for spark knock from 2014 covering 12-14 year models but I have no idea if the previous owner got the ECM adjustment done. Was thinking about calling a Toyota dealer and seeing if they have keep record of that in their system. Could be a long shot but worth a try.

 

94k miles, no idea what the previous owner did. I do drive kinda lightfooted in the city though I try to take it easy and not really step on it and lurch, still getting used to the truck. I’ll try the injector and premium fuel though once my tank gets back down I’m about half full.

 

There’s a website (it’s on here somewhere) where you plug in your vin and will tell you if you have an open tsb

 

The 2012+ trucks did have tune ping issues.
As you know, there was a recalibration for to the ECM.
But it wasn't typically done unless there was a customer complaint.

I am curious.
What plugs did you use?

 

Based on this, my bet is on the bad gas more than the plugs. There could have been water in the station's tanks and water has a 0 octane rating.

You could try a bottle or two of Iso-HEET to dry out the water.

 

$10 NGK LFR6C11 NGK (7787) LFR6C-11 V-Power Spark Plug, Pack of 1

NGK LFR6C11 per the manual. Denso K20HRU11 is also spec’d out and both were in there from factory but I read that using six of either shouldn’t be a problem.

 

Start by trying a tank or two of premium. If that fixes it, then you’ve found your problem. My 2013 had a similar issue when I first got it. The premium fuel fixed my issue