So I've noticed that the engine (1994 22re 65k, 5spd manual) makes a sound like sand or gravel being shaken in a tin can. It is subtle (doesn't sound like a timing chain issue) and only happens mainly when accelerating and at lower RPMs. I thought about maybe a loose manifold or something vibrating, but I'm curious if anyone else has experienced this noise.

Now my old 1991 VW had pretty much the same problem every once and while, my solution was to ignore it for 2 years before I sold it. But now I'm curious what this is now that my beloved yota is displaying the same noise

 

If its what i think it is Its normal but very bad for the motor DOWN SHIFT

 

My exhaust system has been trashed for the last 2 years (like muffler was about 3/4 GONE, rusted out). Finally I had from everything from the Cat back replaced with stainless. I noticed the sound after I had the exhaust done, was probably there all along but didn't notice for the rest of the noise.
Turns out it was a loose heat shield on the Catalytic converter.
Toyota strapped it down when I was having some other maintenance done and no more gravel in a can sound.

 

That sounds like detonation and is an engine killer
You need to adjust your timing

 

I actually think its simply the exhaust or manifold vibrating around. I can get it go away at certain RPMs. Just in case though, does any one have a good video or sound file of what detonation sounds like on the 22re?

 

Twing twing twing twing (tuh-wing) say that out loud you'll have a sound bite.but nah man Theres a bunch of vids on you tube of the D, but you can't hear it in any if them I've watched kinda odd cause its always been pretty loud I'm anything I've done it in

If it was the exhuast it would be most audible while reving in neutral but to my knowledge detonation in neutral would be kinda rare

 

It definitely sounds more like something vibrating and rubbing rather than a ping inside the cylinders.

 

Detonation sounds like marbles in a can when it's bad. It sounds like everything you've described. You might have a ton of carbon buildup in the cylinders causing a hot spot. You need to check your base timing ASAP. You need to verify your EGR valve is functioning properly.

 

If you are shifting too early (say, 1500 RPM dropping to sub-1000 RPM) you get a grinding noise but it gradually gets higher and faster as the engine speeds up then it's normal. Just shift at higher RPM's.

If you only get the noise under light to moderate load (no noise at heavy acceleration) it is indeed spark knock, also known as "pinging" and pre-detonation. It has no rhythm or change in pitch, but rather sounds like something is grinding/rattling around in your engine. It will not do it when the engine is in neutral.

Check your timing with a timing light and change as necessary by turning the distributor, cures it probably 3 out of 4 times.

 

If the muffler is blowed apart (the outter skin) It can make a weird sound like metal banging sound. Somthing that's loose and vibrating generally sounds like a ricer with the bass turned up (buzzzzzzzzz buzzzzzzzz)

 

True, but the sound would be coming from the rear of the vehicle and not the engine compartment, correct?

 

Too much speculation here... sounds like we need a video.

 

Yea if your out side the truck but if your inside the truck your its pretty hard to tell cause your generally hearing the echo off the road

 

X2