'08 Prius Diesel Sound

Hello, I have a 2008 prius with 80 000 miles and recently it started sounding like a diesel motor when under slight load and the accelerator pedal slightly depressed. When I push down a little more the diesel noise goes away, The motor never did that before so I'm wondering what might be wearing out. Timing chain or belt? I don't have a manual for the car so not well versed on engine internals.

Thanks,

Eero

Hello, I have a 2008 prius with 80 000 miles and recently it started sounding like a diesel motor when under slight load and the accelerator pedal slightly depressed. When I push down a little more the diesel noise goes away, The motor never did that before so I'm wondering what might be wearing out. Timing chain or belt? I don't have a manual for the car so not well versed on engine internals.

Thanks,

Eero
Sorry, I don't know. Suggest you go over to the priuschat.com forum and post this question on the Gen 2 board. There are several really experienced people over there that might be able to help. There are many good people here also.

Change the fuel station were you buy your fuel, and make sure you use the recommended fuel.

1) Try a little octane boost.

Hello, I have a 2008 prius with 80 000 miles and recently it started sounding like a diesel motor when under slight load and the accelerator pedal slightly depressed. When I push down a little more the diesel noise goes away, The motor never did that before so I'm wondering what might be wearing out. Timing chain or belt? I don't have a manual for the car so not well versed on engine internals.

Thanks,

Eero

try putting some sea foam in it. sounds like it might be out of time if it's spark knocking aka diesel sound.

Don't forget to check your maintenance schedule for a tune up.

The engine in the Prius uses a fairly high compression ratio for a regular fuel gas engine. To get efficiency, the Prius pushes the mixture and timing to the limit. This results in the engine sometimes sounding a bit like a diesel. It's completely normal.