Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Whine or Whistle?

[MBNicholson]

I have a 96 Dodge 3500 w/5. 9, 5 spd w/GV OD, Banks Power Pack, BD exhaust manafold, Dynomite Stage 1 injectors, 150,000 miles since purchased new. Dynomite dyno tested it at 330/715. I pull a new Carriage at @14,000 lbs. This past winter in Havasu, I discovered an external head gasket leak and had it replaced. First real work on the engine except for the KDP. A really great guy did the work, and there is no apparent problem with it. For about two years, I have noticed a whine or whistle when shifting from 3rd to 4th at around 22/2300 rpms. I really never heard it otherwise because that is the only gear I normally get the rpm's that high. Coming home to Sequim, WA the first of Apr, I started to notice this whine in other gears while pulling the trailer, the first time I ever really heard it. As far as running, the truck seems to run as good as ever, no variations with the boost or egt gauges; however, I can leave it in 4th gear, and at 2100 to 2400 rpms, I can really play a real tune. A couple of years ago, I had installed an AFE cold air induction system and filter, the gray one you don't put oil on. I had just gotten tired of servicing the Banks filter. Suspecting this filter, I called a tech at AFE, and he doubted the whistle was caused by the filter. I just got the truck back from the mechanic I take it to in Port Angeles. He checked the following: Waste gate is working proper, PAC brake is not hanging up, turbo end play and run out checks, straightened out all the silicon charge tube connectors and ran smoke thru it with no leaks, checked everything for tightness. So - our main trip each winter is down to AZ and back. The fellow did what appears to be a really good and neat job on replacing the head gasket. Also, I had this whine long before that. It does seem worse though. Also, to be honest I kind of want to replace the turbo with one of these BD Super B turbos. I would really appreciate any comments. The truck drives just fine, but I intend to drive it forever, and if something is broke, I get it fixed. Thank you, Mike Nicholson, Sequim, WA.

 

[Applegator]

According to your story, the whine started a couple of years ago about the time you changed the air cleaner. I would put a BHAF air filter on and see if the whine changes. A BHAF will flow the most air with maximum dust protection. If the whine is the same, it's the turbo. Did you remove the silencer ring? By the way, be sure you are sitting down when they give you the price of the BHAF.



Here is a list of BHAF air filters if you are interested:



Fleetguard AH19037

Donaldson B105006

WIX 42790

Napa 2790

Carquest 87790

Luberfiner LAF 2531

 

[champspa]

the first time I ever heard mine I was pulling in the mountains of Va. with a bank on the passenger side . it was a real whistle. I think you are hearing the turbo spool up . Changing that air cleaner from the stock one will make it a lot louder.

 

[MBNicholson]

Applegator - I'm not so sure what the silencer ring is??? I will check into your recommended air cleaners although I'm tempted to just climb up in the barn and try to find the original air cleaner and put it back on and try it. I sure hope I didn't toss it. I guess too, I'm just looking for an excuse to install a new turbo.

Champspa - I could agree it's a real whistle especially when you hit that special spot. Basicly I started out concerned that I had a problem. We drive a lot of places I would hate to have a break down. The truck drives and pulls just fine. Did you change something or are you just living with the whistle?

I do l think these cold air induction systems appear to be somewhat overpriced. If there are any comments out there on what system is the best, I'd appreciate hearing about it.

 

[DSpringstead]

Well if a turbo whine won't bother you I have a AEM HD diesel for mine. Once you get up to speed I just turn up the radio.

 

[champspa]

I don't hear it that often . just the other day, when I was pulling the goose with 2 tractors on it , I had to get on it for a hill coming out of a bottom and I heard it , not loud enough to disturb me so I kind of like it . My brother who was in a car behind me also heard it . I started noticing mine when I installed the boost elbow and number 8 plate on mine . I think if you search the old forums,under the 12 valves, you'll find plenty on the whistle .

 

[Applegator]

The silencer ring is on the turbo. Remove the hose from the front of the turbo. If it is there, you will see a snap ring that holds a metal cone in front of the turbo blades. This metal cone is the silencer ring.



Attached is a picture of the cone I found on the forums.

 

[champspa]

if you are still worrying about the whine or whistle take it to your local Cummins shop , around here it's Cummins Atlantic in Richmond , Va. and get them to diagnose it . I had mine on the dyno at that shop looking for a boost leak . I'm sure they can diagnose the whistle.

 

[fest3er]

If one has reasonably decent hearing, it's easy to tell if a high pitch is turbo or a leak. A turbo generates a 'harsh' whine, harsh in that the sound is closer to a square wave as the blades smash through the air. A whistle is much softer because it is closer to a pure sine wave, possibly with a few harmonics built in.

 

[SFPADGETT]

There is a bolt that holds the fuel line at the rear of the head (nearest the firewall), that if left loose will cause your whistle--ask me how I know. I replaced the head gasket on my 95 about 4 weeks ago, and it took 3 days to find the loose bolt and tighten it up.

 

[rotohead]

I searched for a few months thinking I had a turbo going bad but it turned out to be the air line going to my boost gauge. Leak was at the manifold, little brass fitting nut had backed off and the key I think in my situation is the whine didn't start until I had at least 14-15 lbs of boost. I've been told a turbo going bad will most likely start whining at a lower boost number. Good luck.

 

[MBNicholson]

Just got back from a car trip visiting friends and relatives in OR. Appreciate the answers and I will submit replies as follows:

Applegator - Silencer ring is present and accounted for.

Chamspa - I did run a search but will go to the oldest one and just manually scan them. I'll deffinetly keep the Cummins Shop in mind. I know we have them in the Seattle area.

Fest3er - This is diffinetly a harsh whistle.

Sfpadgett - This bolt was tight.

totohead - This nut took another half turn - will see.

 

[HerbW]

Applegator, Are you an Applegate? My wife and family are? HerbW

 

[Applegator]

No, we used to live in the Applegate Valley by the Applegate River south of Grants Pass, Oregon. Those of us who lived there were known as applegators.