My 2001 Toyota V6 knocks under hard acceleration if I use anything other than premium gas, even though it's only suppose to require regular gas. Is this something that can be fixed or tuned up?
2007-01-04 14:37:36 · 9 answers · asked by Aaron G 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Yes, the engine runs perfectly smooth with premium gas, but knocks with either regular or mid-grade.
2007-01-04 14:54:39 · update #1
DO NOT put acetone in your fuel. While the engine might run on it, or even run quieter on it, your engine wasn't made to run with it, and it will cause problems. This is also pointless, because you wouldn't be fixing the problem, only masking it as with high octane fuels (see below). Also, you can get fined like $10,000 for using non-taxed fuels in a taxed fuel system that runs on a taxed road.
First, go have an emissions test done on your car. There are a couple of things that can cause knocking. The final result is that the chamber isn't burning all of the fuel fast enough and as the exhaust is pushed out of the chamber still hot, it is forcing the valve back and even sometimes causing the piston to pull back just slightly at the wrong angle. An emissions test will tell me what I need to know to diagnose the problem.
High octane fuels burn much faster and slightly hotter. This will only mask the problem. Use the fuel recommended in your manual before having the test done.
Problems can range from faulty/dirty fuel injectors, faulty EGR valves/sensors, water or dirt in fuel, faulty fuel pressure regulator, vacuum leak, clogged air filter, oil/water leaking into the chamber from cracked head or head gasket, dirty/improperly gapped/wrong spark plugs, bent intake/exhaust valves, etc...
In fact, if you can get to one of your spark plugs, take it out. Describe it to me when you send me your emissions report. Be very detailed about color, shape, and dirtiness, even if you think it's something that's normal. My email address is jamesbcox1980@yahoo.com
Oh, I almost forgot. If you usually buy your fuel at the same name of gas station, like always BP or always Quick Trip, they might have a problem with their fuel. Check with them to make sure the fuel anti-knock values meet the engine requirements for your car. (check with the dealer).
2007-01-04 15:02:37 · answer #1 · answered by Rockstar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same issue with my 2001 Toyota Sienna minivan. Usually the culprit is bad gas. I run a can of dry gas through it every couple of thousand miles and it's okay for awhile. I use mid-grade as regular causes knocking no matter what. I know several other people with this van and engine that have the same problem. The owners manual states that the engine will run better with premium, but doesn't clearly state that it should be used. This engine was also used in the Camry and the smaller Lexus models as well.
2007-01-04 18:01:34 · answer #2 · answered by asolare123 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Dodge Durango and in the manual it says: Absolutely do not use premium fuel! Using higher octane than recommended can do harm instead of good. Premium burns hotter which would be hotter than what your engine is designed for. Only use the recommended octane rating listed in your vehicles owners manual. Using any other can actually decrease the life of your engine. My S-10 (1991) has 215,000 miles and still running strong using regular unleaded. In its lifetime I have had an engine induction done 3 times to get rid of carbon buildup. The truck doesn't smoke, doesn't burn oil and has awesome fuel economy to this day. If you follow the recommended oil change and maintenance intervals, etc. it'll give back to you what you put into it. As for your dieseling problem, I'm sure it was caused by something other than the gas you were putting into it.
2016-05-23 04:45:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would look for a bad knock sensor, or at least a loose wire going to it. Sometimes the engine code will not register a defective knock sensor as it does not happen long enough. Pull a spark plug and look at it. Sometimes too much carbon on the electrode may cause pre-ignition, especially on a hotter running engine.
2007-01-04 14:48:07 · answer #4 · answered by gyro-nut64 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure its just needing premium gas? I had a car that knocked too..... started real quiet then next thing you know it was totaled because the engine blew. When I got the oil changed they didn't replace the seal properly so I had a leak which caused the engine to blow. I would get it checked out just to make sure. Good luck.
2007-01-04 14:46:31 · answer #5 · answered by Rgall 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check the octane rating of the regular gas to be used in the owner's manual. It should state whether it requires 87 or 89 and see if that doesn't solve the problem.
2007-01-04 14:46:05 · answer #6 · answered by rogue 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
try pure acetone in the gas (3 oz to 10 gal) you can get it from beauty supply and hardware stores first do some research before you try anything. check the search engines and check out this article too http://www.lubedev.com/smartgas/additive.htm
2007-01-04 14:55:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't accelerate as hard, try easing up on the gas pedal, second, you have to adjust the timing if you are going to use the regular fuel
2007-01-05 02:58:31 · answer #8 · answered by al b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have base timing and EGR system checked.
2007-01-04 14:40:11 · answer #9 · answered by br549 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋