Ranger "tweets" around 3k RPM...

Feb 13, 2004 9 Replies
S

Vehicle: 2001 Ranger XLT Standard Cab 3.0 V6 5 speed auto AC/Cruise/etc. RWD ~61000 miles



Right around 3000 RPMs, the truck starts to make a "tweeting" or whistle. The truck doesn't do this when sitting in park; just in drive. The tweak gets higher in pitch and the flutter gets faster, but quiter as the RPMs climb. Higher or lower gear doesn't make a difference.



Though I'm not real used to the truck, the sound seems to be coming from right behind the dashboard in the engine compartment on the driver's side, though acoustics can be tricky on the ears.



I'm thinking it is some kind of vacuum leak, but I've checked around and all the hoses seem fine. The belt is ok, etc.



Any clues?



The truck runs just fine, otherwise.



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B

Well on my 2001 4.0L v6 there was a TSB out for the Timing chain rattle which occured between 2500-3000RPM. Perhaps its the same on your 3.0L. Check out

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for more info.

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S

Wouldn't the timing chain rattle in park or neutral as well? If so, mine isn't doing that. The sound is only there under drive...

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A

This is a cool one. :) My guess is "an exhaust manifold leak".

Alvin in AZ

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On Thu, 12 Feb 2004 23:02:59 -0500, Shane Wolfe rearranged some electrons to form:

Driveline? U-Joint?

Does it happen at 3000rpm no matter what gear you are in?

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S

That was my first guess, but I checked, and retorqued the bolts... With a manifold leak, wouldn't it make the sound in nuetral at the same RPM?

How about the PCV valve? Would it tweet when clogged/malfuctioning?

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S

Yes. The gear doesn't matter so much.

David M wrote:

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S

How did you check it for a vacuum leak?

It may still be a vacuum leak, at that rpm, the vacuum circuit opens the egr valve as well, but it's not open at idle, unless it's stuck.

A little propane released in and around the area of vacuum lines can help rule out leaks, listening for the engine rpms to go up, other things can be used as well, but propane is the safest.

Just an idea, hard to tell without hearing your noise.

Spdloader

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S

I know. It is very hard to tell someone about a noise. It is always better to hear it.

I did the check with starter fluid. No increase noticed. It's due up for its 60k mile maintaince. I hope to find the cause when I do it this weekend.

Spdloader wrote:

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S

Good luck Shane.

Spdloader

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