Engine Squeal

[Ozwild]

I took my '00 explorer in for what i thought was a drive belt and after two diagnostics the mechanic determined that it was not the belt. the mechanic put a new tensioner pulley in, ran the diagnostic again, changed out the alternator, same problem, put the old alternator back in without the drive belt; there was still a squeal coming from somewhere else. they didn't know exactly what it was but knew it was coming from the engine (internally). i am getting ready to take it to the dealership but am worried about some serious problems. i was hoping that someone had some insight into some lesser or cheaper answers rather than new engine/new car possibilities. my explorer has only 83,400 miles and i was getting ready to change out the spark plugs and wires and seafoam the beast. PLEASE TELL ME THERE IS SOMETHING EASIER THAT GIVING INTO THIS PROBLEM!

 

[crunchie_frog]

Hi Oz,

Not sure what engine you have, but check the forum for posts about the camshaft position sensor. For a 5.0 it goes in the distributor hole and there is a bearing in there that squeals due to low lubrication and is evidently pretty common. It does not run off the drive belt and that is why I was thinking this could be your problem. A new part is not cheap ~$150 and it requires a special tool for installation, some just lubricate the bearing.

 

[tgreene92]

Hi Oz,

Not sure what engine you have, but check the forum for posts about the camshaft position sensor. For a 5.0 it goes in the distributor hole and there is a bearing in there that squeals due to low lubrication and is evidently pretty common. It does not run off the drive belt and that is why I was thinking this could be your problem. A new part is not cheap ~$150 and it requires a special tool for installation, some just lubricate the bearing.

150 bucks is cheap compared to a blown up engine, vacuum lines tend to make more of a whistle than a squeal but i still think you should check them out. what year and model is the truck? and is the squeal constant or only at start up?

 

[Ozwild]

I have a 4.0 liter V6 OHV XL. the noise comes and goes but is worst at startup. the mechanic thought it might be something with the timing chain. i really appreciate the ideas.