OK lately my neon been knocking A LOT, even under light acceleration. With foot off gas, doesnt knock. Seems to happen after 30-40 minutes of driving (like grandma). Temp needle is slightly higher than normal (half way on the guage). Looks like the engine runs hotter than it should, given the driving conditions. I don't know if that's because of knocking or due to knocking. Coolant and oil levels are OK.

Any ideas where to start? Try higher octane gas?

 

Your car's all stock? No mods or anything?

Doesn't knocking occur when you're running lean?

 

possibly you are about to throw a rod. get that checked out before it gets worse and more expensive.

 

kind of depends on how LOUD it is, you may just need a valve job, or have an exhaust leak, or have a rod knocking...have a mechanic look at it.

 

Exhaust leak/crank on your manifold will make the same sound. Check it out.

 

i heard a knocking before my water pump blew up

 

i was already blessed with an exploded water pump, thank you.

now, the interesting thing, it doesnt make any noise, including pinging when revving up in Neutral.

however after listening more carefully while driving, i think i have two different sounds -- the whooshing, and the metal pinging. i think i'm covered good for a new catastrophe.

so you guys are saying this isnt a DIY -- go to the mechanic?

 

Mechanic might be best, since the problem looks like it will get bigger and bigger once you start taking stuff off.

 

"With foot off gas, doesnt knock. Seems to happen after 30-40 minutes of driving (like grandma)." wat do you mean it seems to happen after 30-40 mins? it stops knockin after or it starts? like grandma? so if you were to drive at WOT all the time it wouldnt happen? anyway I would try higher octane just to see if its detonation. hopefully its nothin big. would you no where its comin from? bottom end or top? around wat cylinder? mite also b piston slap? could b a few things. good luck diagnosin that

 

If it were piston slap, it would happen when he is revving in neutral....

So your only getting the knock under a load (When driving) Sounds like a rod to me...

Definately take the advise and get it checked out professionally