Has anyone else had a whine on the cold start up on their trucks. I don't think it matters what size but mine is a 4.6. If it is very cold (-30'C) the truck makes a whine immediately when I start it up but it goes away after a few seconds. I'm kind of thinking power steering pump but I am not sure.

thanks,

Bill

 

Might want to take the belt off and start it up a few seconds to make sure it is external. After you shut the engine off and before putting the belt back, jiggle all the pulleys to check for excessive play. If you find the power steering is the problem you can add a little tranny fluid or friction modifier.

 

My 97 4.6 does the same thing. I think it might be the fan clutch/coupling. With the engine off, I spun the fan and heard a similar noise.

 

I had the same noise with my 01 5.4L. Only happens when its real cold.

 

I also have a whining noise on a 98 f-150 4.6 romeo but it is constantly.It sounds like a airplane taking off.Still aint figured it out.

 

Mine has done it since new.....2000 5.4.....when its very cold out, on startup, a loud rrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiipppppppp, for a second or two, than its gone, and nobody could ever pinpoint exactly what it is....It is harmless though, cause at 185k miles, truck still runs flawlessly...

 

My 5.4 does the same thing. I also think it sounds like the power steering pump, the fluid must be like molases when it's that cold and takes a bit to get moving.

 

I second that usually tends to be the P/S pump, unless you have a supercharger those tend to make noise too mine does.

 

I also have that sound on my 03 4.6. Like you originally stated Bill it only happens when its cold.

I have always heard some kind of squealing on cold motors. I just chalked it up to the thick fluids and ice on the belt from the all the slush/water/snow being sprayed up on the engine when your driving. As the Engine cools it freezes where ever it lays.

I use a block heater at those temps and it doesn't seem to squeal as often after i started plugging in at night. Although I must say the factory block heaters don't get that hot. I had one on a taurus and the snow didn't stay on the hood except for in patches!

Long story short....its nothing!

 

The whine/buzz is the PS pump. Mine has done it since new whenever the temp. drops below freezing. I isolated the noise to the pump with a stethoscope.

Sounds very much like your alternator belt is slipping just a bit. Could be considered normal if it's extremely cold. The oil gets super thick, the battery uses more energy to crank/start the motor, and when it starts, the alternator is trying harder to replace the lost energy from the battery. As a result, the belt, turning at engine speed, slips on the alternator pulley until the alternator can catch up.

SL

 

Hi, on the noise at cold start up, my 03' 5.4 lariat makes it and so does my poor little 01 lightning if it is -15c or colder. I know its the p/s pump because they are always pluged in. Trany fluid is a good idea.

 

My 98 5.4l Expedition 2003 5.4l Expedition did it and my 2006 5.4l F150 does it. It's the PS pump, nothing to worry about.

 

Mine has it and so did my 98 ram 1500, on both only when it gets down around zero though

 

P.S. Pump. Easy way to check, as you crank over the motor and it starts, turn the steering wheel as you crank/start, you will notice a direct change in sound with the turning of the wheel.

Josh

 

im almost certain that its the power steering pump. When the fluid gets cold it doesnt move very well and so the pump is working harder until the fluid gets warm, thus making a whine. i live in MN so we know all about the cold here. ha ha