I thought it was a bad idler pulley, so I replaced that. This is the first crank after replacement. Same sound as before the new idler pulley.

Any ideas?


Also, not really sure how to post videos on the message board, so hopefully a YouTube link is allowed.

*edit*
Okay so the Preview Post did not show the video, just the link. So now there's a huge video there...

Also, 2004 E350 V10

 

Almost sounds like something scraping or rubbing against something??

 

I mean... yeah. That seems like a reasonable thought. I just can't see anything that would be rubbing. And both causing that weird sound plus a squeal. Is potentially a different pulley that would do that?

 

Your gonna have to either get a good look without all the airbox on top or get underneath with a good light and really watch the pulleys for movement. Sounds like a bearing going out or gone. Could be anything with the pulley system or something driven from it. Almost sounds like a heatshield rattling but the squeal makes me think something in the belt system. Maybe cycle the AC to see if it affects it or turn on the heat on high with lights on to load the alternator a little. If its not too much trouble take the belt back off and try to wiggle all the pulleys with no load on them from the tensioner. Good luck and let us know what you find out.

 

If you cant find it visually.
If you happen to have and pass a harbor freight store you can get a mechanics stethoscope for $4. I always used a stick or something till last year but the stethoscope works much better and you can hear the sounds echoing through other parts near by to help pin point where the sound is coming from.. Watch the fan though because just a little tap by the fan will break the little plastic piece!
A piece of tubing will work also but I find this easier as you don't have to use 2 hands

https://www.harborfreight.com/mechan...ope-63296.html

 

Most likely culprits are water pump and/ or fan clutch, but fan cover blocks much from isual; (dead cats in the fan make funny noises also :-) :-( :-( I usually like to replace serpentine when I find noises, as just the belt can be awful sometimes and $$ sometimes determine HOW quiet...

 

:-missing Damned sure ain't a "live cat noise" If it were toward the rear of the engine, I'd say a cracked flexplate.

 

Bad bearing in alternator, power steering or AC clutch, maybe?

 

is this a V10? sounds like a stretched timing chain slapping around.

 

I'll second the motion for a mechanic's stethoscope. You will be amazed at what they will tell you about your engine and other moving parts.

Buy it, you'll like it!