Need some advise on new to me F250 V10

LEckart · #1 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 09:44 PM

Hi Folks-

I'm new to this forum and usually hang out over in the 48-60 forum. I posted in the Super Duty forum but no responders as yet so thought this might be a better place to ask.

Today I bought a 2003 F250 V10 4x4. It has 39,600 one owner miles on it. I drove it from Iowa to my home in Kansas, about 180 miles. I'm pleased with the performance but have a question regarding an exhaust noise (at least I think that is what the noise is) when the truck is going 50mph. Kind of a rumbling just at that speed (forgot to look at the rpm) and is not present below or above 50. Is this the "flutter" noise I have read about? I thought I read where this was fixed by Ford pinching down the Y-pipe on the exhaust. I'm a little confused here. Anyone have thoughts on this?? Thanks.

bobby84_00 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 10:09 PM

Hey man i live up in st joe and work in kc, if u ever need help with anything let me know. I'm not the ASE mechanic type but i'm pretty ok at trouble shooting stuff... If i recall correctly your 03 has the old style exhaust maifolds on it and they have some issues. is the noise coming from the engine bay or out the exhaust pipe? it could something small, doesnt sound like anything to major from the way u describe, most major problems would be heard consistantly i believe.

benr0 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 08:46 AM

Welcome, down in Olathe area myself.
As far as the rumbling, do you have anymore info, type of sound, could you feel it or just hear it?

That could be several things.
Tire out of balance, tire type on certain pavement? I'm sure others will pipe in too.

The Flutter that you hear about is usually at slower speeds, I did not really notice/hear at highway speeds.

LEckart · #4 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 04:49 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. I guess I need to drive it more at 50mph and see if I can get a better handle on what it might be. It sure sounds like exhaust and I'm pretty sure it is not tire noise or drive line noise. I'll let you know if I can determine the cause.

dkf · #5 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 06:13 PM

Flutter is more rpm sensitive that anything, usually from 2300rpm-2800rpm or so flutter is the worst. When my 04' was completely stock I really didn't ever remember hearing any flutter. I would check all the manifold studs for broken ones cause and exhaust leak and retorque or change the plugs. I take it your new 03' probably has the original plugs and boots?

The stock trans inspection has also been known to make a stupid noise sometimes.

LEckart · #6 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 07:03 PM

Thanks dkf, I'll get those items out.