'97 E-350 CW 5.4 problem
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'97 E-350 CW 5.4 problem
I have a '97 E-350 5.4L with 162k, and am having issues with an intermittent noise coming from under the hood. The noise typically happens while the van is idling in drive, but not moving. It is a high pitched squeak that originates under the hood but can be heard through the exhaust as it shakes on its hangers. When the noise occurs, it brings the RPM's down by what I would guess 3-400 (no tach). It last for 1-2 seconds before going away, with the engine coming back up to a normal idle. I initially thought it was A/C related, but it happens with the A/C on and off. The van threw a belt a month or so ago, and it has been replaced. All of the pulleys looked okay when I changed the belt. I'm almost certain it has to be one of the accessories driven by the belt, as it sounds like a belt squeak and brings the revs down. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
David
Thanks,
David
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LX-
Not sure I fully understand your question. I didn't run it with the belt off, as it was over 100 degrees the day I changed it and it wouldn't take long for the ol 5.4 to heat up without a fan. It didn't occur to me to try running it with the belt off either, as the problem is intermittent and it would be a crapshoot whether or not it made the sound before overheating.
-David
Not sure I fully understand your question. I didn't run it with the belt off, as it was over 100 degrees the day I changed it and it wouldn't take long for the ol 5.4 to heat up without a fan. It didn't occur to me to try running it with the belt off either, as the problem is intermittent and it would be a crapshoot whether or not it made the sound before overheating.
-David
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From: royal oak, mich
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LXman- I've been thinking about the fan clutch too. I'll go out and check it for play today.
kaboom10- Another good suggestion, I'll take a look. Don't you think it would throw a CEL though if it were vacuum related?
kaboom10- Another good suggestion, I'll take a look. Don't you think it would throw a CEL though if it were vacuum related?
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From: royal oak, mich
Vacuum leaks have different sounds on where it is and how much. If it is a leak it can't be to big since you are at max vacuum and a constant load. Use some carb cleaner around hoses and intake gaskets. If the engine picks up rpm significantly you found it. If not the engine will be cleaner. lol
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Update-
I checked the fan clutch for slop and there is none. It has enough resistance while cold that it wont spin more than a 3-4 inches if spun by hand. I haven't had a chance to climb in there and start checking vacuum hoses yet, as I'm still hobbling around on crutches thanks to a broken leg. The sound has, however, changed since my original post. It will now make the sound if kept at a steady RPM just before a shift point (not nearly as loud, just kind of a light whine/screech). Any further suggestions?
Thanks,
David
I checked the fan clutch for slop and there is none. It has enough resistance while cold that it wont spin more than a 3-4 inches if spun by hand. I haven't had a chance to climb in there and start checking vacuum hoses yet, as I'm still hobbling around on crutches thanks to a broken leg. The sound has, however, changed since my original post. It will now make the sound if kept at a steady RPM just before a shift point (not nearly as loud, just kind of a light whine/screech). Any further suggestions?
Thanks,
David
