Maybe somebody can help me out. My '98 Ford F-150 sounds very loud starting out. When I start it, it sounds like it's having to work to pull air in and the engine is very very loud. It stays loud until it has shifted into 2nd gear (automatic) about twice. I have to drive about a 1/2 a mile to get it there. (If I let the truck warm up for about 5 minutes before driving it, it doesn't take as long to get it to quiet down.) After that, she runs like a dream! Does anyone know if I need to get the fan looked at? Is it an oil issue? I have no clue. Any assistance appreciated.

 

When the fan is cold it sometimes takes longer or higher RPM's before the blades flex out and the fan clutch slows it back down for the load "Whirr" sound to stop. If that is what you are talking about.

 

it could also be a cold power steering pump your hearing...they will whine when cold...and after awhile when hot too!...zap!

 

I did a post on that problem sometime back and apparently that is caused by air in the system. To fix you have to get a second Power Steering cap and drill a hole in it and put the sytem under vaccum with either a hand pump or an AC pump. Then work the wheel each way lock to lock to bleed it. I haven't found a second cap that will fit mine yet to try it. Unfortunatley mine is different than the ones at the auto stores and the salvage yard wouldn't sale me just the cap.

 

Thanks so much for all the information on the air issue. The sound I am hearing is more of a rushing sound than a whine. Jsut for the first couple minutes. Anyone heard of anything like this? It's just a loud rushing sound like I'm revving the engine. Thanks so much for all you've given me so far.

 

If it is a loud whirring noise - sounds like the engine reving very fast, then I would say that the fan clutch is starting to seize up - normally when you start a cold engine, the fan will run at full engine speed until the fan clutch oil warms up, about 10 seconds or so, and then the fan speed will drop and run more quiet.

With the engine NOT running try spinning the fan by hand. There should only be a bit of resistance - if it is very stiff, the clutch is probably no good.

 

edited... Just repeated the above post^^^


Ahh Come on... Where is the fun in that? Live life dangerously! Do it at 3K RPM!
LOL Just Kidding
If there are any kids reading this.. DO NOT do this, it will take your hand off!

 

pladdf150,
More than likely the "wind" sound you hear is the fan clutch. There is a thick fluid (viscous not vicious) that needs to "get circulated", and as a result, makes the noise you hear. Mine does the same thing in the morning; 1/2 block down the street and it's gone.

One thing to remember: if you remove the fan clutch, make sure you stand the fan up against the wall. If you lay it on the ground, the fluid will seep out.

Regards,
Curt

 

Pretty typical for these trucks with the fluid fan clutches to be engaged for the first few minuets when cold. I have a long driveway, several hundred feet between buildings, sounds like an airplane taking off when cold, but quiets down in a block or so.

 

Dvds,
Is there anything you know of to help this noise problem? Also, does anyone know how easy it is (or expensive it is to have done) to replace the fan clutch. Thanks

 

Its normal behaviour for a fluid fan clutch. The only fix I can think of would be to replace the belt driven fan with an electric, which are abundantly available for after market applications. I just ignore it on mine, hasn't really bothered me much in the six years I have had the truck.

 

^^That would be my suggestion if the noise bothers you, plus you get a few extra Horse out of the deal too. It's not hard to replace or the fan clutch or to replace the fan with electric either one. Both can easily be done with simple hand tools. But just by replacing the clutch you will still have the same sound. It may not be for as long but it will still be there for the first minute or two.

 

Mine makes the same noise when the engine is cold. Almost all engines make different noises until they warm up.