Knock, Konck... Who's there?

[86camota]

So, while driving back from San Diego, I noticed that my motor started making a knocking sound. Now, its only when I'm barely pushing the throttle to keep a constant speed. It doesn't knock when its idleing or full throttle. I checked the oil before I left on my drive as I did some work on the motor. And did tune up about 3000ish miles ago. (i.e., plugs, wire set, new distributor)

Car specs- 1990 Corolla Alltrac Sedan
4-AFE
208200ish miles young


Any idea what it might be?

Thanks in advance

[tashirosgt]

Clarify whether you mean "knock" in the technical sense - i.e. premature detonation in a cylinder. Or do you just mean a sound like someone knocking on something?

And are you sure its from the engine? Or do you only mean its from the area of the engine compartment?

[86camota]

Originally Posted by tashirosgt

Clarify whether you mean "knock" in the technical sense - i.e. premature detonation in a cylinder. Or do you just mean a sound like someone knocking on something?

And are you sure its from the engine? Or do you only mean its from the area of the engine compartment?

Well, I think a squrriel is trying to get out of the engine bay.

No, its coming from the engine. Now, if its premature detonation(lol) what are some ways to fix it?

[Rabbitbunny]

So you have a light knock under load?

Right off the bat, get some oil out and look for metal flakes, a glitter look to your oil. It could be wrist pins or connecting rods.

However, it's probably detonation. Plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter.

[Donald]

First thing, check your timing.
Second thing get some good gas in there.
Go to this link and read about Top Tier Gas. I have proven it's validity and only buy from stations on this list.
http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html
Did the knocking start after you bought gas?

[86camota]

Originally Posted by Rabbitbunny

So you have a light knock under load?

Right off the bat, get some oil out and look for metal flakes, a glitter look to your oil. It could be wrist pins or connecting rods.

However, it's probably detonation. Plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter.

Originally Posted by Donald

First thing, check your timing.
Second thing get some good gas in there.
Go to this link and read about Top Tier Gas. I have proven it's validity and only buy from stations on this list.
http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html
Did the knocking start after you bought gas?

Not really under load, or letting off, only when its like 20% throttle. the plugs, wires, and dizzy cap are all 3000ish miles old. Ill pull the plugs and do a full tune up(including timing) when I get some moneys. Ill also check the oil.

And I only get gas from the QT down the street from me.