2000 Tacoma 2.7L....knocking

[Brock31]

Anyone have suggestions as top how to remedy slight knocking between shifts? It is mainly occurring when the weather is warmer. I've seafoamed the engine (intake and fuel), changed the plugs with OEM and now run 89oct. instaed of 87. Still the same deal.

Would running colder or hotter plugs help?
Why isn't the knock sensor detecting detonation and adjusting timing for it?
It must be pretty bad if I can physically hear the knock.
Are the knock sensors replacable?
Any other maintenance items I am forgetting other than regular fluid replacements? (ie..PCV valve etc..)
Truck has about 112K on it now.

Thanks for any advice!

--Brock

[Crinale]

some truck specs would help people here, is it an auto or manual? 4wd or 2wd? etc... also, where in the world are you located?

it sounds like it probably isnt a rod or valve knock, which is what the knock sensors are sensing... because the 89 octane fuel helps protect against knocking/pinging... im gonna guess its something else making a knock-like noise, that maybe someone else can give an idea as to what it is

[Brock31]

5spd, 4WD. Located in Southeastern NC near the coast. Pretty much at sea level. We get alot of heat and humidity.
I'm almost positive its spark knock or detonation. Do the 2000 model Tacomas have an engine control computer (ECM) that regulates timing in order to avoid knock which does serious damage to rod bearings?

[magikbean562]

my 2000 does the knocking at startup on colder days usually (its a normal thing with the 3rz) i swithed to high mileage syntec and it worked a lot. the 2.7's have weird sounds. have you checked your oil level??

[Brock31]

Its not the cold start-up piston slap. I remedied that with shell rotella synthetic oil. This is spark knock, detonation, or ping. Shouldn't the knock sensors take care of this? Could carbon build-up be a problem? Would hotter or colder plugs help?
All the plug wires and coil packs appear to be in good shape.