Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Howl...like blowing in a bottle

[Rosehof]

This is my first post and just want to say thanks to all you guys. You've been a great help, but I have a question that I can't search out an real good answer.



Couple of nights ago I replaced the OEM track bar with a Moog one, and man what a difference, but last night the thing started howling especially under drag conditions like going up a steep hill or leaning on it a little. It usually happens between 1500 and 1900 rpms, but that is where I've been keeping mostly anyway. Also happens after it's warmed up. Sounds just like ToolMan said in another post, a person blowing in an empty bottle.



The truck is completely stock other than the track bar, 265's, and some ball joints. Only had it for about 4 months but really starting to like it.



Thanks

 

[AKAMAC]

Try filling out your sig. Look for boost leaks at flex connections.

Does it do it in every gear at said rpm?





I know, I'm in the wrong forum. Mike :-laf

 

[SS]

Kind of tough to do a search when you don't know exactly what to look for isn't it? That's what the forum is for...



Where does the noise sound like it's coming from? Is it speed related or engine RPM related? Two things come to mind after front end work - if one of the clamps to the steering linkage has the open part facing forwards it can catch air going under the truck and sound like a whistle. The other thing is axle whine being transmitted through the track bar - is the new bushing on the axle end some kind of poly material instead of rubber? Try driving it a bit more to pin down the exact conditions and maybe it will remind somebody of what they have experienced. Good luck!

 

[98rammer]

must be an automatic? it's normal for automatics, though i've never figured out what the noise is. always up a hill around 1900rpms is when the noise happens... very hard to hear on a modified truck. dad's old 94 auto did it. i know other trucks that do it.

 

[NIsaacs]

Did you change anything to your intake? Sounds like turbo spoolin' up. I doubt that it is related to the front end repair.



"NICK"

 

[WaynesWorld]

Howlin in the night

SBerberich,

You may want to check the filter rubber ring. It goes thru the fender. Its a bit restrictive but does howl when slighty off. I trashed mine for more air flow. Now I am going to the BHAF for more air!!!

Let us know what happened :-{} .

Welcome to the need for speed.

WAYNES WORLD

 

[Rosehof]

Hopefully my profile stuff will come through now. Not an expert with this site yet that's for sure . Just in case it doesn't, I have a 97, club cab, 4X4, auto, 3. 55LS.



More details: The thermostat has to kick on (temp guage drops) for it to start happening. I don't think is is only RPM or speed related, but mainly related to the load on the engine within a certain RPM range, like going up a steep hill or doing a controlled pass. I'd really be surprised if it was track bar related, but I know so little about these trucks right now. As far as where it's coming from, I really can't say. Firewall area, passenger's side maybe.



DodgeTorqueWagon, the bushing on the Moog track bar looks like a hard poly material. Hope this is not something I have to live with 98rammer. It's not terrible, but a little annoying, maybe I just have to start modifying :--) , but then there goes the golfing money. Choices choices.



Some guys I have read while trying to search it out thought it might be related to cooling hoses or fan clutch. Any of these things make sense. I know a little about tractors and that hydraulic lines can hum sometimes.



Thanks again for all the help.

 

[Rosehof]

Let's try this. I think i need a dunce cap smiley.

 

[98rammer]

i believe that waynes world is on the money (or close). i believe it's probably some resonation that happens with the stock airbox and when the turbo is under a load. an aftermarket air filter and a straight piped exhaust will make it to thepoint where you can't hear it. a bhaf or k&n in the open should stop the noise from my experience. personally i think the sound is kinda cool

 

[KWentling]

I seem to recall that on some year or years of trucks that there was a restricter bushing in one of the hoses or hose fittings to the heater core that would make a noise of some kind. Wonder if that could be it? I don't recall if there was a TSB on it or not. Anyone else remember this?

Kim

 

[Rosehof]

I guess I will start there

 

[Rosehof]

With WayneWorld's suggestion that is. When I get an answer I will be sure to post it.

Thanks for all the advise.

 

[Rosehof]

One more thing about the track bar job you might find amusing. There's one bolt and one nut in that job, so it's pretty easy,and the bolt is an 18 mm. But, in my set of sockets the socket stamped 18 mm is actually a 19 mm. Talk about a 1/2 hour of confusion before my brother-in-law brought over his set. It was a well known American brand.

 

[Rosehof]

Went out tonight and payed attention to the RPM's and 98rammer was right. The sound comes right at 1800 rpms after it's warmed up.

 

[Andy Redmond]

Fan clutch?

 

[Joe G.]

I had a weird noise. It happened at a certain boost level. It turned out to be a crack in an intercooler boot.

 

[CTDMtnGoat]

Expirienced simular howling sound in a friends truck (02' ) while towing , one the the clamps came off a air tube attached to the air box.

 

[Stamey]

I know this is an old thread, but I saw no solution listed. This is the likely culprit: http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1999/09-04-99.htm



Chris

 

[Deacon_ffff]

Sorry, I know I'm a little late on this post, but I have been experiencing the exact same thing with my truck, and I'm wondering if you ever figured out what it is? I'm almost certain it's not the fan clutch as I can hear that on hot days when it kicks in, and it's not the same sound at all. I feel that it has to be the turbo, piping to or from the turbo, or possibly even something in the driveline somewhere. If you know any more about this I'd really appreciate any input. Thanks.

 

[TravisG]

Deacon 4f - the sound that you are talking about is probably the fan kicking on. It sounds like a jet taking off under the hood.