Other Ford Car, SUV or F-Series Pickup Tech

**Stangman Jonathan** · #1 06-17-2010, 09:01 PM

So it's either the idler pulley or alternator according to my research....it whines as I accelerate or just press the gas pedal while idling and hesitates at cranking to start if that helps.

It's gotten so loud that it out performs my magnaflow exhaust which is pretty loud

Just curious so I can pick up some parts tomorrow and fix it since its freaken annoying

**Hotshot** · #2 06-17-2010, 09:52 PM

well i believe you can check the alternator with a volt meter to make sure its reading the proper output. If its the alternator, i believe there is a light that will pop up to show you the battery isn't charging properly. Plus your car would eventually not start, thats a dead giveaway lol. So i'd lean towards something else. Make sure to check your belt too, make sure its not rubbing or anything.

**Stangman Jonathan** · #3 06-17-2010, 10:24 PM

ah could be the belt...mustang had the same problem with alternator but battery light came up, not that I'd want it to get to that.....so I may just get another one tomorrow and replace it if Downs has them or can get them same day....we'll see. I have a new belt sitting around since my current one is in pretty good shape still

mrnoodley · #4 06-17-2010, 11:42 PM

take a long extension or screwdriver and press it up against the alternator with the truck running, being VERY careful to avoid any moving parts.

put your ear down to the other end, and use the tool as a stethoscope. You'll easily find the noisy part this way.

**Stangman Jonathan** · #5 06-17-2010, 11:45 PM

thanks I plan on giving it another whirrl tomorrow before i leave, I have a long torque wrench that I use for the tires that may help isolated the noise for me since a regular screw driver doesn't help

greenscobie86 · #6 06-18-2010, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrnoodley

take a long extension or screwdriver and press it up against the alternator with the truck running, being VERY careful to avoid any moving parts.

put your ear down to the other end, and use the tool as a stethoscope. You'll easily find the noisy part this way.

YES!!

I've managed to find that the accessory drive on the mod motor is more prone to squeal due to mainly 2 things...

Worn serp. belt or a loose/failing idler...

But do what was said above and carefully listen to every pulley including the A/C compressor one...

I have 3 foot breaker bar just for this purpose

**Stangman Jonathan** · #7 06-18-2010, 06:49 AM

and on mine the idler pulley is to the left of alternator on the passenger side from where I thought I heard the noise from yesterday.

**PWRBY4D** · #8 06-18-2010, 07:32 AM

with someone in the truck pour a cup of water on the belt while they accel. see if it stops. if it does than it prob is the belt or the idler pulley...