Engine Whistle
 

I am creating this sticky in response to the massive amounts of threads that get started concerning a common issue. This sticky contains several POSSIBLE solutions to the engine whistle that is often heard in the late model F-150’s. Also included will be links to helpful information that might assist you in adequately finding a solution to you dilemma.



Please keep in mind the information listed here is not professional advice and is no way to be deemed so. The other members of this board and myself offer what information or experience we have in order to help solve a problem. A professional should at least be consulted before any large purchase is made or any repairs are made to ensure the best course of action is taken and to avoid harm to your vehicle or yourself.

Several different types of issues have come to light for the various years, engine, and situations. What is listed here is a list of some known causes/fixes and should not be thought of as an all encompassing list.

• One of the whistling issues for the 5.42V engines is from a nylon tube in the idle-air bypass flow circuit. This is TSB 02-10-8and can be rectified by replacing the nylon tube with part #2L1Z-9W548-AA.
• Another whistling issue for the 97’ built until 1/20/96 is heard when at speed or idling with the blower motor running. This is caused by a leak in the plenum assembly. This is TSB 96-8-16and can be rectified by sealing the upper plenum assembly.
• On more issue for just the 97’ 4.6 is the Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD). This gives a whining/squeal on cold start ups. This is TSB 96-14-9and can be rectified by replacing the FEAD with part #F6PZ-8678-AB. This same issue arises with the 04’ 2v engine. This is TSB 04-18-7. The part number for that is 3L1Z-8620-AB.
• On the 07-08 4.6 and 5.4 the FEAD idler pulley same as the previous years causes this sound. This is TSB 08-4-2. The replacement part # is 6L3Z-6C348-A

Some other noises that have been mentioned are in the newer body style 04-08 when starting cold. I have yet to uncover a TSB for these, but will keep looking. Some possible root causes have been the alternator bearings and of course the ever fun CAI’s. FOr the most part from the millions of posts I have sifted through, of these two it more often than not ends up being the alternator. Having said that, mine ios doing now that is is cold too. So when I take mine in I will add what the solution was.







This is a work in progress and I will keep adding as I get SOLID information.

Meanwhile there are several threads that discuss the issues at hand……

https://www.f150forum.com/showthread...hlight=whistle
https://www.f150forum.com/showthread...hlight=whistle
https://www.f150forum.com/showthread...hlight=whistle
https://www.f150forum.com/showthread...hlight=whistle
https://www.f150forum.com/showthread...hlight=whistle
https://www.f150forum.com/showthread...hlight=whistle
https://www.f150forum.com/showthread...hlight=whistle
https://www.f150forum.com/showthread...hlight=whistle
https://www.f150forum.com/showthread...hlight=whistle
https://www.f150forum.com/showthread...ighlight=whine
https://www.f150forum.com/showthread...ighlight=whine

Thank you to all of the members helping to get this together for the benefit of the forum. Those of you with something to add please PM me and I will add to it.

Thanx,


Jer

Hello

Great post by you. This will be really going very useful to all. Please keep sharing more and more.

Have a nice day
With Regards
Charles

great post. I have been having this issue too, and have been researching the cause. At first it was more of a whistle, now sounds more like metal on metal rattle, kind of like a bearing. I'm thinking alternator. thanks

stethoscope ?
 

I keep the longest screw driver in my box ( actually more if a gasket scraper) just to listen to accessories and pans/covers. One end plugged to my ear, the other probing various assemblies. Found many strange noise sources with just that. Once you zero in on the source of metal / metal rub, you will know it.

A mechanics stethoscope is invaluable too for the ~$5 it will cost. Solid tip probes solid noises, hollow probe finds air noises.

Neither for the feint of heart or long of hair.

I owned one and owned the problem too but fortunately or unfortunately I sold it off to someone I know. He fixed it at first but keeps coming back. So thanks for all your info it'll be of great help.

I agree. I fine it very useful in my personal use. I can apply it in my own. :D:thumbsup:

Always check the exhaust manafold gaskets... Dealer did my passenger side for $540.00 and I did the driver side for $40.00

2006 5.4L

I found that my 08 stx 4.6l has a whistle after i cleaned my air filter, I kinda like it, it sounds like a turbo spooling up.

Nice post..Its true, this is a common issue with Ford trucks.This post will really help all the ford owners to solve their common engine whistling problem easily...

I recently went muding and now I think some of my bearings on my pulleys are dried out. Now the bearings have gotten louder than the pipes on the truck. Any idea on how to replace them??????