2CarPros - Car Questions & Answers

2004 Ford Ranger Repair Question


Topics covered: Engine, Clutch, Noise.
Mileage: 54,000 miles.

Asked on January 30, 2012

I have a 2004 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L 6Cyl Auto.

Truck makes a howling noise (sounds like its coming from the engine compartment) when I floor the accelerator. If it accelerate slowly it is nonexistent.
Avatar Asked by Southpaw3612

Answer

Replied on January 30, 2012

Are you sure the noise isn't coming from the clutch fan?

Tiny Answered by Jacobandnickolas (expert)
57,318 answers provided
Replied on January 30, 2012

Im not quite sure. Im nothing of a mechanic. So im unsure of where that is located. Reading forums, ive read that it could be the serpentine belt or belt tensioner possibly.

Tiny Response from Southpaw3612
3 questions asked
Replied on January 30, 2012

They are all close to the fan clutch. The clutch will sound like a jet noise or very loud fan.

Tiny Answered by Jacobandnickolas (expert)
57,318 answers provided

Replied on January 30, 2012

Nah, it sounds more like a squealing, maybe I described it wrong

Tiny Response from Southpaw3612
3 questions asked
Replied on January 30, 2012

Try this. Start the engine and open the hood. Take a small cup of water and pour it on the belt while the engine is running. Does the sound change?

Let me know. Also, wear old clothes and protect your eyes because the water will most likely spray out at you.

Tiny Answered by Jacobandnickolas (expert)
57,318 answers provided
Replied on January 30, 2012

It doesnt do it at an idle or regular driving. Shall I still try this?

Tiny Response from Southpaw3612
3 questions asked

Replied on January 30, 2012

IF YOU IDLE 'ER ON UP, DOES IT DO IT?

HAVE YOUR PAL POUR THE WATER

NO SENSE IN GETTING WET, NOW THAT YOU KNOW YOU WILL!

IF YOU TAKE A PIECE OF GARDEN HOSE, OR HEATER HOSE ABOUT 4 FEET LONG, STICK ONE END IN YOUR EAR, USE THE OTHER END LIKE A STETHOSCOPE. YOU MAY BE ABLE TO ISOLATE THE AREA, WHILE YOU PAL GIVES IT ENOUGH PEDAL TO MAKE IT SQUEAL

COULD BE BEARINGS IN AN ACCESSORY DRIVEN BY THE ENGINE, IF IT GETS DOWN TO IT, REMOVE THE DRIVE BELT AND SEE IF IT STOPS.

PLEASE DO WATCH OUT FOR THOSE PESKY MOVING PARTS UNDER THERE, THEY WILL PUT A HURTIN' ON YOU!!!

OK---RETURN WITH SOME REAL POSITIVE RESULTS

THE MEDIC

Tiny Answered by CJ MEDEVAC (expert)
6,800 answers provided