New funny/strange click while accelerating/decelerating--please help

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Nov 16, 2004 | 07:19 PM

Frank Lang

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New funny/strange click while accelerating/decelerating--please help

I noticed just in the last few days that my 1988 F150 5.0 V8 302 AOD 4x2 supercab truck, with 90,000 miles has started to make a metalic click sound just once while accelerating and again when decelerating. The sound seems to be coming from the drivers side, behind and below the cabin. Though no mechanic, I'm guessing something like a relay or solenoid clicking on/off--does that make any sense? The truck has dual gas tanks, and the sound happens regardless of which tank is in use.

Coincidently, I am noticing that the truck seems harder to start--turns over longer before firing up--even though it has new spark plugs and not showing any codes. I don't know if this is related in any way to the sound I'm hearing.

Otherwise, the truck is in really good shape, and driving well. I need to take a road trip in the next few days, and am concerned that maybe something is breaking down in the fuel pump or somewhere that will cause a problem.

Thanks for any advice/comments/suggestions/diagnosis.

Frank.

Nov 16, 2004 | 08:41 PM

xltlariat87

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From: southwestern,pa

check the radius arm bushings. they may be wore out.

Nov 16, 2004 | 10:39 PM

Joboo

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--Frank, if it were a fuel pump noise you would be able to isolate it with the key on engine off. The pump runs a 5-10 second prime when the key is first turned on. I have never heard of a fuel pump clicking though, more of a whine or doesnt work at all when they fail. There is a selector solenoid that cycles between fuel tanks. Perhaps is has a poor ground or is intermittantly going open and turning on and off? Actually i think that solenoid valve is located mid vehicle on the left inner frame rail. Dont quote me, its been a while. If this noise is consistant with vehicle speed i would look towards a possible u joint that is dry and making noise.

Wish i could be of more help.

Nov 17, 2004 | 11:23 AM

Frank Lang

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Thanks for the replies so far. Radius arm bushings were checked and are good. U-Joints have been checked recently, 2 of 3 replaced, and mechanic says they are good. Noise only happens once on acceleration, and again once on deceleration--not every time, but usually. It sounds like a teaspoon hitting metal, ie. a single metallic tap, not like a drive shaft clunk. Any other ideas? The truck has continued to drive like normal, so it doesn't sound too serious, but I want to avoid getting stranded on my upcoming road trip.
Thanks again!
Frank.

Nov 17, 2004 | 06:55 PM

dcjj

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Clicking

This is a long shot but may be you clicking problem. On my truck the front inner brake pads fit very loose in the holder. (Outer pad has an antirattle clip on it) I can hear them on a dirt road. They rattle quit a bit.Try this next time you drive your truck and hear the noise...when you take off leave your foot on the brake and let them drag a little. Then slow down to a stop. If you don't hear any noise, it may be your pads lifting up (CLICK) when you brake and then droping back down (Click again) when you release them to take off again. I have cleaned mine up a little and used silicone to sort of glue the pads in place, seemed to work for me. Hope this helps
dcjj