Mazda Repair: engine knock, intake leaks, octane boost

Question
94'b4000,135k miles. knocks and pings like bad gas.  i use premium and add octane boost, no help.  dealer said it was caused by a bad thermostate and dying altenator... i left.

Answer
dont know if i can help you there,  there's alot of reasons for that. engine overheated, timing jumped, pcm, low fuel pressure, intake leaks, first thing is to check ignition timing- and see if it's advancing.. knock and pings are related to fuel getting lit at the wrong time