Help Diagnose Noise

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Jul 19, 2025 | 10:41 AM

Baker_Shenanigans

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Mountain Pass

Joined: Aug 2023

Posts: 104

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From: Concord, NC

Help Diagnose Noise

When under load, 8-10 psi and above, there is this chirping/squeaking sound that is produced. I recently replaced my stock turbo with a KC turbo. It made this sound before with the stock turbo as well so I don’t believe it is turbo related? I grabbed this short clip last night on the way home from a softball game. I’ve done leak tests after latest install and everything was good.

any insights would greatly be appreciated.

Last edited by Baker_Shenanigans; Jul 20, 2025 at 08:01 AM. Reason: Added better video clip

Jul 19, 2025 | 11:26 PM

aawlberninf350

It's a Van Gogh

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 7,802

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From: Elk Grove, CA

Sounds like some sort of contact. Maybe inspect the fan, see if it's wobbly.

I'd say motor mount but those very rarely go bad on a 7.3.

Jul 20, 2025 | 07:28 AM

BillyBob69

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Wheatland, Mo

Yeah that sounds like metal on metal. I would check the tensioner and idler pulleys. They do wear their bearings out regularly and it sounds like something is about give up the ghost.
Also, if your AC was on while recording, turn it off and listen again. Could also be the blower motor/fan .

Jul 20, 2025 | 08:01 AM

Baker_Shenanigans

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Mountain Pass

Joined: Aug 2023

Posts: 104

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From: Concord, NC

Thanks gents for the areas to check. I didn’t think about fan or pulleys being a culprit since it didn’t do it at idle or low load.

Here is a little better video that I record yesterday that’s a little longer. Just forgot to upload.

Jul 22, 2025 | 10:19 AM

Baker_Shenanigans

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Aug 2023

Posts: 104

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From: Concord, NC

Well it’s not the ac compressor. I turned off the ac this morning and noise is still present

Jul 22, 2025 | 10:21 AM

Baker_Shenanigans

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Mountain Pass

Joined: Aug 2023

Posts: 104

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From: Concord, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyBob69

Also, I recently changed the tensioner when I changed the belt. Again, there before the change and after. I do have a idler pulley on hand and could try that but it sounds like it’s coming from near the firewall

Jul 22, 2025 | 11:57 AM

RacinJasonWV

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Joined: Jul 2017

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From: WV

Starter bolts backing out letting the snout hit the flex plate?

Just a wild guess since it’s done this with 2 different turbos.

You could pull the belt for a very short test. If it still makes the noise then it’s not in the accessory drive system. I assume you can make this noise sitting still while loading the engine?