Strange engine noise
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Strange engine noise
I have a 2003 Ford Ranger 4x2. It has an automatic with the 3.0 V6. There is a noise that to me sounds like a bearing going bad in the alternator. However this noise, say while idling comes and goes. To me it appears it is in the area of the front passenger side valve cover and the front of the fuel rail. If you accelerate the engine, comes and goes. Also by doing this it sounds more like a tap-tap than a squeal.If you were to close the hood and let it idle, it sounds like a squeal or a belt like the old days.
Anyone ever heard this one?
kbub
Anyone ever heard this one?
kbub
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
You may have more than one problem.
On the tick, maybe something like a bad setpentine belt, with a chunk of rubber missing from the back side, maybe low oil pressure to a valve lifter, or a sticking lifter, ect.
On the squeal, maybe something like a bad bearing in any one of the belt driven accessories, or the cam sensor bearing, which is known to squeal when it's going out on the 3.0L Vulcan.
I had a cricket like chirp from an OEM idler pully bearing, with ever so slight amount of play, on my 94 Taurus 3.8L.
Maybe try using a mechanics stethoscope to further isolate the noise. If you don't have one, fashion such with a length of hose, or tubing, a wooden broom handle, or a long screw driver, one end on the suspect, the other end to your year.
Anyway try to listen & narrow down where the noise is coming from.
Some thoughts for pondering, let us know what you find.
On the tick, maybe something like a bad setpentine belt, with a chunk of rubber missing from the back side, maybe low oil pressure to a valve lifter, or a sticking lifter, ect.
On the squeal, maybe something like a bad bearing in any one of the belt driven accessories, or the cam sensor bearing, which is known to squeal when it's going out on the 3.0L Vulcan.
I had a cricket like chirp from an OEM idler pully bearing, with ever so slight amount of play, on my 94 Taurus 3.8L.
Maybe try using a mechanics stethoscope to further isolate the noise. If you don't have one, fashion such with a length of hose, or tubing, a wooden broom handle, or a long screw driver, one end on the suspect, the other end to your year.
Anyway try to listen & narrow down where the noise is coming from.
Some thoughts for pondering, let us know what you find.
