98 3L Chirp Noise on startup

[German Shepherd]

It sounds like two squirrels having a fight under my hood for about 2 seconds when I start my truck. The colder the engine is the more it does it. There are no other symptoms. The problem has gotten gradually worse over the last year.

It sounds like it is coming from the top of engine/intake manifold area.

On the advice of mechanics I have:

I replaced the belt.

I replaced the belt tensioner and its pulley.

I replaced the brake booster.

I have started the truck with the belt off to help isolate the problem.

None of this has made the slightest difference.


Any ideas?

[chopper769]

I have a 2000, same problem. Then I had a squeal. I replaced the idler and belt. Fixed it for a while, now it's back and the squeal is continuous. I have no idea either. Just wanted to share your pain. Kinda sounds like the a/c compressor though.

[chopper769]

Got some Lube 1 from slick 50, started sprayin' stuff(pulley's and such). I hit the a/c compressor pulley area and sure enough, that's what it is. So I really worked some in there while it was runnin' and the squealing stopped. Until, this morning. Now it's worse. At least I know what the problem area is. Next step... not sure. I'll keep you posted.

[German Shepherd]

Thanks for the reply.

In my case I have taken the belt off completely and started the engine and still gotten the same noise. This way I have eliminated the possibility of it being the idler, water pump, a/c, alternator, compressor, fan clutch, p/s.

Any possibility it could be a squeaky vacuum-related system or device?

The problem is it won't do it once it's warm so I can't take it to the mechanic unless I leave it over night--which I always hate to do.

[chopper769]

IIIIII remeber reading that you took your belt off. My bad. I have the same chirp when cold, plus the squealing a/c compressor. I still have no idea what the chirp could be. I'll probably take my truck to the mech pretty soon, so I'll get back with ya.

[German Shepherd]

bump to top--

Any ideas?

[danjake]

i had a similar noise. the noise occured while driving and idleing. recently had the cam sensor and synchroniser replaced and timed. i own a 99 ranger. apparently the distributor was changed by ford. the noise comes from engine up front near the cab. in my case the noise was hard to locate. an automotive place had 9+hours with no diagnosis only confusion. one first thinks the belt etc. not. removel of belt - noise got louder.
try the suggestion above. good luck

[TheRangerOfDanger]

my mom's mountaineer (explorer) had a similar problem
it turned out that her noise was one of the pulleys - it had a factory sealed bearing set in it and it just needed to be changed - it had dried out and was just asking for help. spraying it with lube might not make a difference because 1) it will dry up soon and 2) the bearing may be sealed, so none of the lube will get into where it needs to go.
The other thing to consider is the oil that you use - it could be that you park on a hill or habe a weaker pump or something and it takes a while for the oil to pump into all of the nooks and crannies- -that is not a problem - it just happens sometimes. That would also explain why the problem is more obvious when it is colder; the oil is thicker and takes more time to get moving to the right places.

[97chevyman]

sounds like dry starting to me, are you using a fram oil filter?

[jms92]

Whats the fix for this freakin noise????? It's driving me nuts!!!!!!!!!!

[12Ounce]

There are many sources for squeaks on the 3.8. Here's a few that come to mind.

1. Belt driven stuff ... including idler pulley and tensioner pulley.
2. Camshaft position sensor (CPS) driver ("synchronizer"). To test, you can remove CPS .. two 7/32" screws ... plug the small screw holes with grease and fill the top of synchro with clean motor oil. Let sit awhile. Crank the engine over if possible. Finally, sop up excess oil ... doesn't have to be totally clean of oil .. and reinstall CPS. This may correct problem ... or, you may have to buy a new synchro. Be sure to scrape off face of CPS sensor with blade or emery cloth ... to eliminate possible "rust dust".
3. Vacuum leaks. Leaks can sometimes be squeakers until heat seals them up a bit.

I assume all the Ford V6's suffer the same ills.

[nuckolsk]

what ever happened with the ac squeel? was it the clutch?