"Cat in fan" sound coming from engine compartment on first crank of the day.

[Blacksdieselhp]

On my 2003 truck, when I start it the first time of the day, it makes a noise like a cat in the engine fan. The reason I compared it to that is because the same day it started it, there actually was a cat in the fan of my tractor when I started it . But its been doing it for a couple months now and theres no cat in there. It only does it the first time its started. Anybody else had this problem? Everything seems normal, just curious of what it is.

 

[rbattelle]

It's really hard to imagine what a cat sounds like in an engine fan. Do you mean a high pitched scream? If so, I'd blame the belt. If you've already eliminated the belt as a problem, then I'd blame an idler bearing (or possible alternator bearing).



Ryan

 

[bmoeller]

Could be the belt, or a weak tensioner. The bearings in the tensioner or other idler may be it as well.



Had a similar problem with one our tractors. Was usually the bearings in the tensioner, but was a belt one of the times as well. Had to replace the tensioner and idler on the ISX on Thursday for the same reason. Bad bearings squealing.

 

[Blacksdieselhp]

Sorry, I wans't clear on the sound. It sounds like the fanblades are hitting something. It just does it for a second and thats it. Thats why I originally thought it was a cat in there. Because I have had that happen a couple of times. But it wasn't a cat. Theres nothing touching the fan. But almost every time, the first time it is started up that day, it will make the sound. It doesn't do it any other time. Its a very weird problem. None of the pullies or bearings are making noise. I've checked everything that has to do with the belt system. The only thing I didn't check was the a/c clutch. i guess it could be coming on and maybe slipping just for a second and making the noise.

 

[Pawpaw]

These 3rd Gen trucks are bad about the A/C making a loud clunk right after they're started the first time of the day.



On mine, it's not just one "clunk", but more like 3 or 4 quick ones. The whole thing is over in about 1/2 a second.



Is that what you're talking about?



Bob

 

[Blacksdieselhp]

Yea, it sounds like it does it 3 or 4 times very quickly. I bet thats what it is. Thanks

 

[Yo Hoot]

Mine does something like that after I wash the engine down. Nasty sound like something is locked up. Haven't been able to pinpoint what the cause is.

 

[Ben Rumson]

On my 2003 truck, when I start it the first time of the day, it makes a noise like a cat in the engine fan. ... .

And this is a problem????



I've always been of the opinion that an occasional cat in the fan is good for lubricity.

 

[JBee]

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. I just bought a 06 Mega cab and noticed this same symptom intermittently during the initial cold start-up. It sounds like momentary play in a centrifugal clutch. I'm having a hard time deciding whether to waste my time at the dealer since I can't duplicate it. I'm not too concerned that there will be a failure of some sort but it's a bit frustrating with a new truck. Mines more of a single clunk sound like it it taking up slack upon it's initial cranking. Will stay tuned to see if we can narrow it down.

 

[The patriot]

This thread is disappointing.

I came here hoping to hear what a "cat in the fan" would sound like.

Anyone have an audio clip to share with us?

Eric

 

[sag2]

Drop the belt in the evening when you get home and fire it up in the morning and see if the noise is gone. Reinstall the belt and try starting it with the A/C and/or defrost off. Should be able to use process of elimination to find it.

 

[Prairie Dog]

This thread is disappointing.

I came here hoping to hear what a "cat in the fan" would sound like.

Anyone have an audio clip to share with us?

Eric

It depends, do you have a cat I can borrow?

 

[The patriot]

No...

I was never much of a cat man... ..... :-laf