Whining or Whirring Sound Under the hood?

[XLT_66]

I have noticed that ever since last weeks floods down her in Central Texas, when i was having to go through huge puddles over 15" deep, i have started to hear a whining sound from under the hood when i accelerate. I dunno what it is....i went to a local self car wash and washed the car and up under the hood. I thoug there might be some kind of sediment in a belt or sumthi... i don't really know that much about engines right now, but i am trying to learn. I have no clue what it could be. Please send in any suggestions about how to fix the problem. Also, does anyone know about the Diablo Chip or any other Chips, i have a 96 5.0L V8....i am looking at Speed Grilles, I have a FIPK Air Filter, Flowmaster Exaust, and 17" rims at the moment wrapped in 275/55R17 Dunlops...it looks good. I am bout to put on the X-Spec Suspension from Explorer Express. Does anyone know where i could find a new hood for the Explorer....i wanna make it look different from everyone else's Exploer.....please respond

 

[Xplor]

First of all, Welcome to the site! I have a V8 too. I get a sqeaking noise right after I start my truck, but it goes away when I start to drive it. This only happens like after it rains or really moist out. So I guess this is normal for me. How does your belt look? See any cracks or missing strips? It may need to be replaced. Also check the tension of the belt, the tensioner could be giving out. So do you have the Dunlup GTX Sport Rovers? I used to have those tires(mine were 255/60R15) on my old '92 and I loved them. Great street tires! As for the chip, I a lot of people pretty much have Superchips. Diablo is pretty much the same thing, but I heard they sell cheaper. As for the hood, check out "Troll" at www.speedfreak.cc They have a nice look cobra style hood for the 95-up explorers.

 

[XLT_66]

Other Stuff

No, they are not the Sport Rovers, i can't remember, i'd have to go look...but it makes them hard to spin, i have so much rubber on the ground. The rims are 17 x 8 so they are really wide too. Is there a difference in performance of the Superchip or Diablo? Is it worth the 211.99 that i found it for? What kinds of changes did you notice when you got it? What are the pros and cons to it the superchips/diablo chips? I am assuming that 92 octane is required. Does anyone have the
X-spec Suspension installed?

Thanks

 

[Xplor]

Well, I don't have a chip in mine. I don't think I will ever get it. Because Ford reprogrammed the computer in mine, since I notice spark knock (pinging). This happens even on certain premium gas too. Yours is one of the first V8s out. So the calibration is different on yours. Yes am pretty sure that premium fuel is required if you put in the chip, since your advancing the timing. I think the price you got sounds right to me. I heard the the Superchip and Diablo chip are equal. Just for the fact the one of the Superchip tech, decided to start making his own chips and went on opening his own business. As for the suspension, I heard the X-spec are nice, especially sway bars. There's a few people on this board that has them. It you decide to lower your truck, then try to stay away from the Exploer Express lowering kit, they are way overpriced. All you will need is blocks for the back, which you can get at a parts store and adjust the torsion bars in the front, which its just a bolt you turn. Your 17x8 should be perfect on the road. Do you want your tires to spin? Check your tire pressure and make sure they are not under inflated. I am running around 30psi on mine.

 

[n2knee]

i had that same sound under the hood before. it turned out to be a bad idler pulley.

 

[94cobra]

Too bad he won't sell the hood you mentioned.