1997 Ford Ranger Engine sounds like a sewing machine

RET.SMCS

MEMBER
1997 FORD RANGER
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
106,000 MILES

We have a 1997 Ford Ranger with the 2.3L 4 Cylinder engine. My wife likes to say that the engine sounds like a sewing machine, whereas I think it sounds like something is rubbing. I have checked the belt path and it doesn't appear that anything is rubbing, but I would like to get this problem fixed as it is not normal

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

Hi Ret. SMCS. Welcome to the forum. Does the noise occur when standing still or do you have to be driving? If you hear it standing next to the truck with the hood open, the easiest is to attack it with a stethoscope. You can buy one from an auto parts store for less than ten dollars. In particular, listen next to the idler pulleys for the serpentine belt, and the power steering pump.

If the power steering pump is the cause, it should get louder when you turn the steering wheel. It would help if you could describe the noise. An exhaust leak and collapsed lifters inside the engine can both sound like a typewriter. Pulleys usually make a buzzing or whining sound. If a pulley is out-of-alignment, the belt will squeal as it goes around it. That noise will get better or worse when you dribble water on the belt while the engine is running and the noise is present.

Caradiodoc