Wierd noise when accelerating?

[Flashover]

When I press the gas pedal to accelerate (between 0-50 or so) I always hear a noise. Sounds like "ssssss" like a water faucet with a leaking problem. The sound seems to come from under the hood so I think I might have a leak in a tube or something possibly from my A/C going because of the water condesing (I usually have the A/C running at the lowest setting).

Anyone have an idea about what it is? Is it something critical? I don't want to sound dumb infront of the mechanic

 

[SmoothJimmy]

I hear that snake is still missing in New York !!!

Year/Engine?

Maybe try operating the throttle while under the hood to get a better clue.

 

[Flashover]

Oh man, the snake came all the way to Massachusetts!!!!

I have a '98 Explorer Sport with a 4.0L V6 SOHC.

I hear the noise best when the car's moving at about 20mph and I'm accelerating from there. I don't hear anything at all when I first put the car into drive up until the 20mph mark and after around the 50mph mark I don't hear it anymore.

 

[SmoothJimmy]

so you're saying you don't hear it when revving the engine in park?

 

[Hoof Hearted]

Change engine oil and filter(fully synthetic)

 

[Dutch_explorer]

From what I read, I have something similair and in my case I've determent that it's the torgue converter.

 

[yavapaires]

Check the intake air tube connections at the throttle body and air cleaner.