I just picked up a '98 E250 with the 5.4. Engine runs smooth and strong, but just off idle, there's kind of a "chirping" noise that I can hear that goes away as revs increase. Seems to only happen when the engine is cold. It doesn't sound like the cam phaser noises I've heard in youtube videos. Engine has about 175,000 miles.
1998 Ford 5.4 "chirping" noise
- Thread starter Stelth
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Belt idler pulley? My father's 2001 F350 has done this since new.
No cam phasers on that vintage 5.4, and they don't "chirp".
Agree with the recommendation to check the belt/accessories. On my 4.6 of that vintage, the chirp was a bad belt tensioner.
Agree with the recommendation to check the belt/accessories. On my 4.6 of that vintage, the chirp was a bad belt tensioner.
Perhaps a serpentine belt.
My Tundra's belt would chirp when it got "colder" out.
And by "colder", I don't mean below zero, I mean below 50-ish degrees F.
Tensioner and pulleys were fine, so I replaced with a Gates brand belt.
About a year later, chirping returned, bought another Gates belt.
3 Gates belts, 3 years.
In April 2009 I stepped up my game and bought a Goodyear Gatorback belt.
It's still on my truck nearly 6 years later. No chirping yet.
My Tundra's belt would chirp when it got "colder" out.
And by "colder", I don't mean below zero, I mean below 50-ish degrees F.
Tensioner and pulleys were fine, so I replaced with a Gates brand belt.
About a year later, chirping returned, bought another Gates belt.
3 Gates belts, 3 years.
In April 2009 I stepped up my game and bought a Goodyear Gatorback belt.
It's still on my truck nearly 6 years later. No chirping yet.
Also if you suspect it may be a pulley, next time you hear the chirping spray some WD-40 or other light lubricant on it. Spray each pulley one at a time.
If the noise goes away, you know which pulley to replace.
If the noise goes away, you know which pulley to replace.
Glad to hear that I don't have cam phasers. This is my first 5.4 (had a 4.6), and I'm learning new things. Just replaced the alternator and put a new Dayco serpentine belt on, no change in noise, so I guess it's time to check the tensioner and so on.
This is what was chirping on my Explorer several years back: Idler Pulley. Probably the same part for your '98.
Did you check the fan clutch?
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