I recently purchased a 94 2WD 2.4 pickup. I have done a tune up, flushed the radiator, and changed the fuel filter (I'll pay someone on that next time!). My problem is at certain RPMs after the choke turns off I hear a weird rattle/knocking. It is only at certain RPMs and lower maybe 1500-2000 and then goes away. It does not do this at all when I first start it. It sounds like it's coming from the cylinder closest to the cab. I'm thinking of cleaning the EFI if they have a way to do it other than gas additives. I was going to check the compression on each cylinder but if it's not getting enough fuel to a cylinder than it will not be in spec anyway. Anyone got any ideas? Any help would be appreciated.

hey wassup
yeah uhm i kinda have the same problem with my '94 4x2
i dont think itz the engine
check it you have an exhaust leak
cuz thatz whatz wrong with mine
hopefully that helpz you out

Yup! I got a 4x4 22re had same problem. Sounds like a hard knocking mostly at idle or decel? try adjusting the valves takes away some of it. From what they say the fuel injection in those where loud to begin with.

Yep, same noise, different diagnosis. Thought it was exhaust but turned out to be timing chain knock. Didn't do it at idle or driving (off the gas), but any acceleration at all gave me the the knocking/rattle sound. Waiting for parts to arrive to fix it at the moment.

Your description of the sound seems a good match for one I have experienced. There's a plastic guide for the timing chain. Apparently it is pretty common for that guide to snap off, allowing the chain to slap against the wall of its housing, especially when the engine is coming off of load or just decelerating. This happened to my '95 PU within 40k miles of new (if memory serves). I replaced the guide and now I'm at 140k miles and the problem hasn't recurred.