My engine has started "squeaking" lately, at idle only

RUGERNUT

MEMBER
2007 FORD F-150
4.2L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
148,000 MILES

My engine has started "squeaking" lately, at idle only. I thought it was the A/C clutch pulley bearing because there was excessive play in it. That, and it sounded like it was coming from there. I replaced the clutch and pulley. Didn't fix it. I released the belt and spun all the pulleys, none were bad (just the A/C). I'm thinking it could be the fan clutch. Upon startup it use to engage and sounded very loud, and would taper off as it warmed up. I haven't heard that sound in awhile. If I spin it while cold, how many times it turns is too many? Any other tell tale signs of a bad fan clutch? What else would "squeak" at idle only?
Thank you!

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

The belt itself can cause this issue. Here is an easy test. With the engine at an idle, pour a small amount of water on the belt. If the sound changes, either the belt is loose or dry.

Do this first and let me know what you find. As far as the fan clutch, there is a test that requires special tooling. Basically, you place a speed sensor on the blade and based on temperature and RPM, the fan should be spinning at a specified speed.

Try the water test and let me know what you find. Also, make sure the tensioner is keeping things tight.

Take care,
Joe

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Saturday, January 19th, 2019 AT 1:09 PM

RUGERNUT

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Joe,

Thanks for the reply.

I did the water test and nothing changed. But, before I started the engine, I spun the fan to see how many times it would spin with the fan clutch. It was tight. I could only get the the blades to spin about an inch, 2" at the most. The current outside temperature is 41 degrees real feel 31 degrees with the wind gusting 15-21 mph. That's why I'm thinking the fan clutch might be okay. I also grabbed a hold of the fan and moved it back and forth, side to side. It's tight. If it were the water pump bearing, wouldn't it squeal all the time, instead of it squealing every five seconds, quit, then squeal?
The tensioner looks good, not bouncing erratic. I'm almost wanting to say the upper idler pulley, lower idler pulley, or tensioner pulley, might be the culprit.
I have an appointment with a local Indy shop that will diagnose it for $20.00 Tuesday morning. My cousin diagnosed it originally and replaced the A/C clutch and pulley (which had a lot of play in it). I'm on SSDI and if the government catches me working on my truck I will lose my disability. I was forced to retire in 2011 after working for thirty nine years. I miss doing my own mechanic work.
Any more advice you can give me to figure this out before Tuesday is greatly appreciated!

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Saturday, January 19th, 2019 AT 2:46 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Welcome back:

I have a feeling the clutch fan is okay, too. I don't ever remember one making a noise like you described, but that doesn't mean it isn't possible. It has to be one of the bearing on one of the components. If I had to guess, I would first suspect the belt tensionier pulley.

I wish I could give you a clear cut answer, but that's tough to do under the circumstances. However, I would try the accessories again focusing on the tensioner and idler pulley.

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Saturday, January 19th, 2019 AT 6:41 PM

RUGERNUT

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hey Joe.
I wanted to let you know the problem was the cam synchronizer. The internal bushings dry up and there are only (2) options to fix it;
1) Remove the cam sensor and squirt a couple of shots of motor oil inside the shaft so as the oil seeps down to the bushings.
2) Replace it.
I had to do #2. My bushings were too far gone.
Below is a video of what it sounded like. The 4.2 is just a 3.8 bored out (as you know).
https://youtu.be/ge3S0xIMm3o
https://youtu.be/Q9Dm2iMBEKI

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Thursday, January 24th, 2019 AT 1:07 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS