Ever since I got my Ranger, I've noticed it. Actually it was the first thing I noticed. Is this normal? It sounds like I have a CAI on it, but I don't. Just sounds like its sucking in, or blowing out, air somewhere. If needbe, I can get a video with sound so you know what I'm talking about.

 

Vacuum leak? Alternator whine? How about the airbox mod in your signature?

 

a cat?

lol
j/k

 

Is it RPM variant and is it more of a "roar" at high RPM? Could be your fan clutch possible. My engine sounded way different when the fan clutch seized.

I think the airbox idea makes sense, though. The air sort of whistles through the IAC valve sometimes.

 

This sound was happening when I first drove my truck, before the air box mod. It is noticable at idle and throughout the rpm range. Its consistant through the rpm's too...doesn't get higher or lower.

 

Alright, here is a video of it running. I checked all the vac. lines and any other air lines and everything is hooked up and no leaks...that I can see anyway.

http://media.putfile.com/IM000160

 

My truck makes a similar whine, although its not half as bad... I believe it's one of the pulleys, and it started when it rained for 2 straight weeks up here. Have you gone threw any big puddles?

 

No I haven't. I've babied this truck since I got it. LOL

 

if it was the IAC it would be making a more humming type sound.

it sounds like a vacuum hose leak somewhere, possibly a bad gasket on the airbox or somewhere between the intake and the airbox, is your PCV valve in place as well? I doubt that's it.

 

PCV Valve? Could you please explain to me where it is? I'm still in the learning stages of working on engines.:(

 

I would suggest getting a haines manual from your local autozone, I'm not sure where the PCV valve is located on a 3.0, again I don't beleive that's it I was jsut throwing out ideas, don't go replacing it.....

 

Alright. Yeah, I've been meaning to get one of those manual's. I'll have to pick one up next week.

 

It's hard to tell from the audio if it's metallic or vacuum. I would go around the engine (carefully!!) with a mechanic's stethoscope and locate the exact source.

 

[moves closer to engine]

Bend over and cough!

 

so THAT'S why John spends so much time 'under the hood'

 

i thought that noise was from the mechanical fan, since its being driven by the pulley/belt.

 

i have a similiar noise...but only when going down the road...it sounds like a whistling

 

My truck makes a similar whistling noise, but it only makes it at certain throttle settings. Many ideas??

 

Just to let you guys know, I got the problem fixed. It was my alternator. Went out and got a "new" one (remanufactured) and put it in. Wasn't too bad of an install. Now that the whirring noise is gone, you can actually hear my exhaust. LOL

 

In line with the last couple posts, my truck also makes that whistling noise and it is throttle dependent, but not RPM dependent. If you back out and reapply the throttle several times during acceleration (even in the same gear at different RPM's) it will whistle, almost like a muted version of a loose belt but not quite the same. The way it behaves points me in the direction of the fan clutch but I have not narrowed it down yet.

Any thoughts?

 

Has anyone watched this video lately? If that's a Ford, well then....