I'm a new Powerstroke owner and I have a newbie question!

I am in mad love with this truck and have been slowly getting to know it and its "baseline noises." I have noticed that when I start driving, there is a whistling undertone along with the normal diesel rumble. It's almost like the sound of the wind driving through a tunnel. I thought at first maybe it was from the airflow on the bed cap, but then it occurred to me turbo? I've never had a turbo before so I haven't the foggiest what one sounds like.

 

The whistle you're hearing could be the turbo. Do you know what, if any, modifications have been done to the truck? Things such as an aftermarket intake, turbo, etc. or even just removal of the insulation from the IC pipes will increase the whistle you hear in varying degrees. Pictures from under your hood would be a great help if you need help identifying any changes, upgrades, or non-stock equipment. Also, since you now have over 25 posts, you can setup a signature. Many people use that to put info about our rigs down there so we don't have to ask every time. it helps with troubleshooting, etc.

OH! And welcome to the family!!

 

Welcome to the world of PSD. The whistle is the turbo. A stock wheel will give you a bit of whistle and a WW (wicked wheel) wich is an early 99 compressor wheel will give it a bit more. I just installed the WW this past weekend and it sings through my stacks.

 

Ooo, a siggy, I feel special! I will add that if it's helpful.

As far as I know, no mods. I just bought the truck last Friday, it was owned by an elderly couple, I don't think they souped it up. I scouted under the hood and undercarriage, everything looked pretty standard.

So unless it's an early 99 model, it's just a normal stock wheel (I'm assuming that refers to the turbo wheel?)?

 

Yes it refers to the turbo wheel. And maybe I'm just deaf, but I've now got a foil delte and a wicked wheel but my turbo doesn't seem to be any louder. But I do love the sound it makes when I punch the skinny pedal.

If the sound you're hearing gets louder when the truck is in a higher RPM range (2,000+) then it's definitely the turbo you're hearing.

 

It seems to go away as the engine warms up? I only really notice it when I am first pulling out and below 35 mph, once I head off down the main road up to 60 mph, I don't hear it.

ETA -- I don't think I've broken 2000 RPM's yet, I've been traveling for work (in a hotel right now, LOL) and have only gotten to drive it two or three times. I'm trying to maximize mileage.