is this a timing belt symptom

[wmkeele]

1997 Toyota 4Runner 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 140,00 miles

sat for 4 days-
when i started it up today it made a couple of poping
noises.
I let it idle down /warmup
when I would accelerate in Reverse or Drive - it would make a series of pops again
runs a little rough

 

[LINY4Runner]

doesn't sound related to the timing belt...

it sounds like ignition timing, but I'm unfamiliar with the 4cyl in the 4Runners, actually i've NEVER worked on a 4Runner with a I4, so I'm not sure of the ignition set-up weather it's DIS or coil-distributor system.

regardless it sounds like an ignition issue.

anything unusual happen in the 4 days it was sitting? or the last time you drove it before parking it? get gas? thunderstorm? big puddle?

 

[Charlee78]

These engines came with a timing chain, not a timing belt, I would check the ignition system first.

 

[wmkeele]

I gave some incorrect info

it is an 1997 4runner SR5 6cyl

it sat 4 days while we were out of town, so nothing unusual occured during that time as far as I know.

I started it up this morning to see if any change-

same problem
started it , it would make the poping clatter noise unti warmed up and idled down.
then when I would put it D or R it would pop/ clatter louder when I would accelerate.

trying to get an idea what it is so I know whether it is safe to drive it to service center 20 miles or have it towed in.
don't want to mess anything else up

 

[shawnstcyr]

This popping, does it come from the tailpipe or from under the hood?

 

[wmkeele]

from under the hood -

popping/clatter

loudest when I acellerate D or R

 

[shawnstcyr]

from under the hood -

popping/clatter

loudest when I acellerate D or R

For starters, I would check the plug wires. It is hard to diagnose this without hearing it in person. A leak in your induction system can cause a lean condition, leading to backfire through the throttle body. However, this is usually accompanied with a check engine light, and would be a little unlikely.