Chirping 97 explorer

How's it running beside the chirping? a gasket perhaps?

Everything appears to be running fine. No CEL, stumbling, etc. I've been doing some more research and found information on chirping noises that is a result of a faulty camshaft position sensor. My noise appears to be coming from the top back (close to the firewall) which is the location of the CPS. I'll have to get my hose-o-scope back in there tomorrow and see if I can more accurately localize the location of the chirp. If I get a stronger sense this may be the problem, I may shotgun it as a new sensor is only $27 + tax.

I'm pretty sure the noise is coming from the area where I believe the camshaft position sensor is located. I think I may try to replace it this weekend. Has anyone done this job on a 97 ohv v-6? I'd appreciate suggestions or comment from anyone, especially if you've replaced the sensor. I'm wondering if removing the upper intake manifold would make the job easier.

CC:

I have the sevice manual for 1995-2002 Ford vehicles on DVD. I wasn't able to save the information to a file that I can send to you, but the procedure for replacing the sensor does include R&R of the upper intake manifold.

Kevin

To add more information: The chirping sound is directly related to engine speed. I didn't mention before that the engine runs kind of rough the first 15-30 seconds or so after startup but then "feels" fine. JR said I might have a gasket problem. I'm kinda stumped at this point. I have a couple of questions:

-What are the symptom differences between a bad camshaft position sensor and a bad flex plate? A sign of failure for both is an engine chirp. Does a flex plate chirp in proportion to the speed of the car? A camshaft position sensor obviously does.

-If I have a bad gasket, what would be the most likely culprit? I've read of startup roughness being the result of gaskets not being properly sealed when cold, but once the car starts to head up, the expansion of heated parts closes the leak. Intake manifold gaskets perhaps? Could a gasket be so far gone there is metal on metal rubbing somewhere? Perhaps Mr. Warman could supply a few words. Thanks.

I only asked because I have, in the past, experienced a small intake gasket leak that sort of "chirped". It wouldn't have to be big, but it could make noise. Now, that was on older vehicles that, in my opinion, were far more tolerant of such a vacuum leak.

| > I have the sevice manual for 1995-2002 Ford vehicles on DVD. I wasn't | > able to save the information to a file that I can send to you, but the | > procedure for replacing the sensor does include R&R of the upper intake | > manifold. | >

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Back in Feburary I had to change my wife's Cam Positioner Sensor in a 98 Mountaineer. The V8's CPS are in the front part of the engine. While researching how to replace it for a V8, someone wrote about replacement in a V6. Their advice was that since on a v6 it's in the rear of the engine by the firewall, it was best to simply remove the engine hood. Then take off the large bracket that is above the CPS which holds the coil pack with ignition wires. With the exception of removing the hood on my V8, it was exactly how I replaced mine with ease in less than a hour. Be sure to replace the CPS in the exact position you took it off by some reference marks on the shaft and the outside metal housing. Good luck and I bet the CPS is the culprit.