1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

[Ford F834]

That really sounds like a belt noise or a noise made by a belt driven accessory. I know you said you loosened the belt and there was no change. Just for the heck of it, remove the belt(s) all together and start the engine. Also with the belt off, manually spin the alternator and see if you hear anything. I’ve gotten bad reman units right out of the box.

[Gsmblue]

Thanks, I will completely pull the belts tomorrow (powersteering belt is old and needs changing anyway.....) and report back.

The sound is very similar to a worn bearing and as the alternator is a recent addition, it is on the suspect list!

I will also get a watering can and spill water around the valve cover, intake manifold and carburetor base to see if anything changes with the banshee screech....

[ArdWrknTrk]

First; please don't fill your engine with dirt!  😱



😂

Second, that sounds more like a rubbing belt or bearing noise too me than a vacuum whistle.
Though, I admit my phone doesn't have the best audio.

Have you checked the ports in the base flange of your carburetor?
If the cap at the back was cracked it could be the source.

[Gary Lewis]

I agree - belt or bearing, but lean to belt as it is smooth.

Jim's got a good question about caps on the vacuum system.  Check them.  And if it isn't a belt or bearing then it may be time for the smoke test - seal the intake to the carb and blow smoke from a cigar into the engine and see where it comes out.

[Gsmblue]

There is so much dust around here I rarely pull the filter like that!

Thanks for the input, as soon as it gets above freezing I will:

1. Pull both alternator and power steering belts
2. Poor water around where I think the noise is
3. Try more stethoscope stuff
4. Check vacuum lines and manifolds again
5. Find someone who smokes!

Thanks for all the advice!

[1986F150Six]

Gary Lewis wrote

  And if it isn't a belt or bearing then it may be time for the smoke test - seal the intake to the carb and blow smoke from a cigar into the engine and see where it comes out.

Good idea, Gary! Swisher Sweets worked for me!

[Gsmblue]

I haven’t smoked for years, I don’t even have any cigars in the house anymore... maybe I should pop out and get a makers mark, those were always a treat, basically a spendy swisher!

Or maybe I can find a neighborhood vaping...

[Gsmblue]

Need to post some good news!

I managed to apply sound deadening material to the doors last night, both the outer skin and inner skin. I know this is not 100% coverage, but anything above 20% provides a benefit and I am probably at about 75%.

The speakers have boom mat liners behind them too.

The difference is staggering. It has been a while since I have done this stuff and I forgot what a difference it makes.

Later today I will pull the rest of the trim by the rear seats and the bed and apply all through there. I will also replace all the screws and panel pops, hopefully this will cure some of the rattle and shake noises too.

I also plan on doing the truck doors...

[Gary Lewis]

That IS good news!  And yes, the difference is staggering.  You'll really love it.  Keep on keeping on!

[FuzzFace2]

Nice job on the mat.

I added 2 strips of peel & seal you get at the big box hardware stores to the inside of each door.
I don't know what they were like before this but I like the way the doors sound when you close them.
I did not add boom box to the door speakers but they don't sound to bad with just the P&S.

I did not add to the outer part of the door as I seen posted it could hold the door panel out.
I also did not add it anywhere else, it is a truck so it needs a little road noise LOL
I think once I get a carpet installed it will be pretty quiet as it is not too bad now.
Dave ----

[Gsmblue]

So I have 2 things to report.

1. the squealing noise.
I started the engine up this morning at 10am and 42F, the noise kicked in after about 10 mins of idle. I got the watering can, dribbled some water over the intake/valve cover on the passenger side, it hissed and popped as steam went away. And the noise went. I drove around for an hour and it did not come back. I do not think this is magically cured, just reporting back! Let's see what tomorrow brings.

2. Audio upgrade.
I went to town on the deadening material.. pics to come tomorrow with a post about it all. All I can say is my hands are sore and I ordered more deadening material :)

Thanks for all the input, always appreciated!

[Gary Lewis]

I hate problems that go away mysteriously.  They always come back - the same way.

Anyway, you are going to be so pleased when you get the sound deadening in.  Makes a huge difference.

[Gsmblue]

No advancement on the noise, it is so windy here today I can hardly hear myself think!

On the plus side, the stereo install and sound deadening are a huge hit! Espy actually drives better now! Sound deadening is magical.

I am going to switch the 6x9 speakers in the back for 6x8 and try and find stock grills, then this upgrade is done. Pics in a mo when I find my phone.

I have another 36sqft of deadening material to install in the bed and in the truck doors.. i need longer weekends!

[Gsmblue]

Pics!

[Gary Lewis]

Wow!  Looks GOOD!  And more sound deadener to come?  Cool!

Yes, it is amazing how much better things drive when all of the noises are eliminated.  I've noticed that many times.  

[Gsmblue]

Well, the weather is not cooperating today. It was nice and sunny all day while I was working and now it has got cold and overcast.. grrrr...

I did pull the spare tire holder off and I am going to paint it black, I was never happy with the silver and I have a couple of cans of rustoleum satin black. A change is as good as a rest, right?

At least the rest of this week is supposed to be nice and I can be outside trying to trouble shoot that stupid noise.

I wonder if it is related to the air diverter not working properly. I read in the EVTM that if no vacuum is present the system defaults to defrost. Now, my controls are sliding nicely, I can hear vacuum noises as I slide it around, but the air is not really moving. I can get strong air from he dash vents, but the floor is weak and the defrost non existent. If anyone has any tips about where to start looking :)

[Gary Lewis]

The HVAC system can make some odd noises.  I've heard buzzing and hissing, for sure.  You might want to pull the vacuum line going into the cab and plug it to see if the noise goes away.  The line probably comes off of the plastic manifold on the firewall and to the passenger's side where it hits a check valve and tee.  One side of the tee goes to a reservoir, and the other into the cab.

Be careful as some of those lines are brittle and snap easily.  But if you pull the line off of the check valve and plug the line you should be ok.

[Gsmblue]

I do prefer the black on the spare carrier! Needs a bit of clean....

[Gary Lewis]

Looks good!  

[Gsmblue]

I managed to do something serious done, not just play time...

I got all the bushings on the front anti-sway bar switched out. Removing that old rubber was a pain, lots of drilling... i need a shop press!

I did the bar and link bushings, here is a pic of the links.

Next up will be the rear bar tomorrow and maybe the control arms up front too... time is not on my side though..





And just for fun, a clean rear end!