Engine squeal after it has warmed up

WANAGI

MEMBER
2005 FORD F-250
5.4L
V8
4WD
MANUAL
188,000 MILES

I changed the coil packs in my truck. The next day after driving 3 miles the engine started to squeal. At first it only did it when I let off the gas but within another 50 miles it was constant. The next day I popped the hood, the radiator was cracked. I replaced the water pump and the radiator. It still squealed. I replaced the fan clutch a few days later. It still squeals. I have not driven it since I replaced the pump, just let it warm up and the squeal kicks in. The truck is not running hot, the A/C still works and turning the A/C off or on makes no difference, turning the steering wheel makes no difference either and the alternator is charging the battery. I’m at my wits end trying to solve this issue. Any help is appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Saturday, May 16th, 2020 AT 5:33 PM

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,125 POSTS

Hi,

Does it sound like a belt squeal? If so, try this: When it is making the noise, take a small cup of water and pour it on the belt to see if the sound changes. You may have a weak belt tensioner and it's allowing the belt to slip. Also, check to make sure the belt tensioner pulley and the belt idler pulley are not locking up. That can happen as well and cause noise. Since this is happening when it warms up, something could be slowly locking up.

I attached a picture of the belt routing and highlighted the two pulleys I'm referring to. Check them. If you are not sure if it is the belt, then when the engine is warm, remove the belt and start the engine for a couple seconds to see if the sound is gone.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Saturday, May 16th, 2020 AT 11:17 PM

WANAGI

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks, but I considered the belt as well and since I had the motor apart I installed a new belt and tensioner as well. It still squealed. I also noticed that before it gets to operating temperature the rpm's bottom out like it’s going to stall, it picks back up to normal within a few seconds but this is when the squeal starts to kick in.

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Sunday, May 17th, 2020 AT 4:20 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,125 POSTS

Does it make the noise when the belt is off?

Joe

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Sunday, May 17th, 2020 AT 6:34 PM

WANAGI

MEMBER
4 POSTS

That I don’t know, I didn’t test that scenario but I will tomorrow.

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Sunday, May 17th, 2020 AT 8:48 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,125 POSTS

Let me know what you find. Something is locking up when it gets warm I have a feeling it may be the idler pulley.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, May 18th, 2020 AT 12:00 PM

WANAGI

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks Joe. I tried It with the belt off, still same noise but upon further inspection and a lot of time crawling around the truck, I found the problem. There is a crack in the exhaust manifold. Obviously the catalytic converter(s) are clogged and forces the exhaust to go somewhere else hence the squeal from the motor after it warms up. Thank you for your in trying to help me solve this problem.

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Tuesday, May 19th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,125 POSTS

You are very welcome. I'm just glad you found it. Honestly, when you used the word squealing, it pointed to a belt and something locking up. I wish I could have heard it. LOL

Let me know if you need directions or anything to get the converter replaced.

Take care,
Joe

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Tuesday, May 19th, 2020 AT 9:30 PM