Tick, tick, tick: The infamous front of engine sound

[JDraper]

My tick tick tick is not engine related. It is quite as a mouse with the drive belt removed.

And the damn sound has returned today. It does not change pitch or frequency with increased RPMs.

Still scratching the head ....

Hmmm? If it goes away with the drive belt removed, but is constant with it in place no matter what the revs are....Strange...that really limits the possible problems.


Have you tried running it with the belt on but the alternator wiring harness disconnected? My logic is running along the lines of something that is releasing pressure or voltage...which may be independent of rpm. That points to either the alternator or the ps pump.

 

[aldive]

Jeff, thanks for your input; I always appreciate it.

No, I have not disconnected the wires at the alternator. However, since the alternator is the :easiest: piece of equipment to access, I have listened throughly in that area and am almost positive the sound does not come from there. I shall do as you suggested to test it though.

I failed to mention, the sound is the same with and w/o the AC clutch engaged.

The sound increases in frequency a small amount from idle to 3k RPMs, but not much.

 

[JDraper]

J...

The sound increases in frequency a small amount from idle to 3k RPMs, but not much.

That would lead me to believe you are reaching some sort of pressure or voltage threshold at that level, and what you're hearing is a pressure release valve or relay kicking.

 

[aldive]

Jeff, the sound is the same sound that occurs when an idler or tensioner pulley is "bad". Its a definite tick, tick type of sound.

 

[JDraper]

Jeff, the sound is the same sound that occurs when an idler or tensioner pulley is "bad". Its a definite tick, tick type of sound.

However...a bad idler or tensioner pulley would cause the sound to increase in proportion to rpm's...If the frequency is leveling off as rpm's increase I can't see how it's a bad pulley...possible but not likely.

 

[aldive]

I agree. I just wish I could establish the source of the sound.

I do need to put the truck up on a ramp and listen to the area around the Crankshaft Position Sensor.

Do you know if a bad Crankshaft Position Sensor can make this type of sound?

 

[Albino 94LTD]

I'm with Jeff on this. Sounds a lot like a capaciter discharge since it doesn't change in frequency. Could still be a bad alternator.

How about enginer running, light electrical load/heavy load at idle, does the sound change?

 

[aldive]

How about enginer running, light electrical load/heavy load at idle, does the sound change?

The sound is the same under full electrical load as it is with a light load.

One other point that I forgot to mention is that sometimes, on a completely random basis, the sound appears to disappear.

 

[Albino 94LTD]

This is way out there.

Bypass valve on your oil filters? or FPR?

 

[aldive]

This is way out there.

Bypass valve on your oil filters? or FPR?

This motor has no FPR and the filters are located on the frame rail under the passenger front seat ( the sound is definitely coming from somewhere in the front of the motor.

 

[CDW6212R]

Have you got any slight belt alignment issues at all? How much play was there in the power steering pulley? I have a noise from my PS pulley which I am sure was caused by an overdrive alternator pulley, offset too much. I had a PS noise the day after the pulley change. The alternator pulley was apparently outboard too much, likely because the alternator is aftermarket. I R&R'd the pulley a week later, ground it down about 1/8", which corrected the belt alignment. I still have a slight PS noise, very slight. I think the odd pressure affected the pump/seals, and it must have more play than normal.

How about the water pump, how many miles are on that? My WP went out recently also, it had 17k on it from NAPA.

 

[aldive]

bump

 

[Lt.Jim]

Fan clutch was gonna be my guess but you have an e-fan.

 

[aldive]

Spent an hour with the damn stethoscope stuck in my ears this afternoon and am no closer to locating the tick than before.

 

[aldive]

Any other ideas?

 

[aldive]

bump

 

[Lt.Jim]

Any other ideas?

Have you fed the hampster?:

 

[briwayjones]

Have you fed the hampster?:

Come on Jim, that's a squeak squeak squeak sound not a tick tick tick sound. :

 

[rch10007]

Al, I have been dealing with this for over 3 years. I have yet to locate the "problem" nor have I found anyone who could figure it out.

I would greatly appreciate the fix if you ever find one. As for myself, I've about given up.

I have an '02 EB 4X4 4.0.

 

[aldive]

Robert, I feel your pain

I have yet to solve this, but one thing I assure you, my friend, I shall not stop trying.

Anyone else have any thoughts or suggestions?