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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jul 23, 2018 - 10:12am PT
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*Disclaimer Below
So, the van's making some creaks and groans and this time I think it's serious. There are two different things I'm worried about, and since some here seem to enjoy the OnTheRoad threads, I am thinking what the heck, let's have a summer version....So, what to YOU think is going on.
1990 Ford Van, E-150 Econoline with 5.8L engine.
Sound #1 - When I press the gas pedal with a lighter touch, as in slow acceleration, or to give a nudge to increase speed in town, it kind of shudders. I know, that's not a sound, but more of a feeling, so I guess I could say it kind of sounds like what we used to call "dieseling" when the car would be turned off, and the engine would struggle on before quitting.
Looked it up online, and it could be a symptom of so many things I didn't know where to start.
This has been going on a while, but in the last few days, it has been worse. Once, going uphill toward the Hairpin Turn on 44/55, and this morning, pulling on to 44/55 after stopping at the end of Clove Rd. I actually thought I was running out of gas, but that wasn't it. Went to fill up and it took 12 gallons on a 22 gallon tank.
But for certain, it isn't going away.
Sound #2 - Engine Chirping. At least, I THINK it's the engine.
I first noticed what I now think was the early signs of this problem a couple months ago. I'd hear a sort of sound squeaking sound that seemed like the driver's side door might need oiling. But of course, when I "listened," the sound didn't seem to be coming from the door area.
It was there, on and off, but not enough to say "Attention! This is an early signal of impending doom."
But, about a week ago, when I started it up after having driven for a few miles, and it sounded like the Serpentine Belt was slipping. It kept up for about a mile, and then stopped.
Then didn't happen, and then did again, for a very sort time.
Then. I started to recognize the squeaky not-the-door sound seemed like it could be part of THAT sound.
Since then, I've been hearing it on and off, mostly on, as a chirp that sometimes changes with the acceleration(going faster when RMS's up), and sometimes not. Sometimes....it kind of sound like sleighbells jingling...
Looked it up online, and it could be many things, the belt, a bearing, U joint, or several other possibilities.
So, what the heck do you think these sounds could BE?????
*I have a shop appointment Wednesday.
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Jul 23, 2018 - 11:28am PT
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First - don't do anything until you create at least another 10 pages of drama.
Sound 1 - check your transmission fluid. Next up are the basics - cap, rotor, plugs, wires, air filter, PVC valve. It's rarely something more complicated in a vehicle like yours.
Sound 2 - Belts shiny and glazed? If so, buy a can of belt dressing spray and apply. If sound disappears, get new belts.
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anita514
Gym climber
Great White North
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Jul 23, 2018 - 11:31am PT
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Oh FFS
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Jul 23, 2018 - 11:39am PT
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once the basics above are done. Fuel filter is worth looking at since it may be an easy fix.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 23, 2018 - 11:49am PT
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Euthenasia is indicated. For the van, that is.
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F
climber
away from the ground
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Jul 23, 2018 - 12:01pm PT
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Sounds like systematic patriarchal oppression to me.
Nothing that couldn’t be fixed by an independent, strong, confident woman like yourself.
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, A sailboat, or some time zone
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Jul 23, 2018 - 12:17pm PT
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I love your courage Happie. I do love travels with Happie and wish I had some advice...but alas I’m not much of a mechanic. However, I’m sure this thread is going to be entertaining, and that there will be some wonderful kernels of knowledge.
A mid summer read. I need one!
Susan
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climbski2
Mountain climber
The Ocean
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Jul 23, 2018 - 12:54pm PT
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I'm pretty sure the problem is a 28 year old van.
you are getting good advice above.
My main concern as you describe it is the transmission. (shudder and getting worse and uphill).. but it might be something else..very hard to say.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 23, 2018 - 01:16pm PT
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Let’s put it in simple economic terms: you’ve entered into a classic bond inverted yield curve that traditionally presages a recession, or worse.
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, California
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Jul 23, 2018 - 01:28pm PT
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Have someone eyeball the motor mounts.
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fear
Ice climber
hartford, ct
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Jul 23, 2018 - 01:28pm PT
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1) Fuel Delivery. Filter, pump, rotten 30 year old tank (is tank metal?).. Is it a carb or EFI? Carb would rec teardown and rebuild. Cheap. EFI gets expensive, possible clogged/dying injector(s).
2) Turn the radio up. Possible slipping belt or failing idler pulley/component connected to the serpentine belt. Replace belt anyway. Still squealing on startup replace idler pulley(s).
You own an antique, not reliable transportation. As the proud owner of vintage machines, you have to learn how to fix them.... or pay dearly for others to do so.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 23, 2018 - 02:36pm PT
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I have to wonder why *some* people get so bent from these threads. When I have been seriously asking for help, I came right out and asked. The first post on this one makes it pretty clear it's just a "keeping in touch/for fun" thread. Yes - the van is old. Yes, I am trying to save up for a new rig. No, I don't care that you cannot stomach the fact that I keep pulling the rabbit out of the hat when your deepest desire is to see me crash and burn.
Not really seeking advise(though I do agree that there has been some good advise, and I do appreciate it). I've already done what research and checking of fluids/belts and such that I am able to, and as I WROTE - it's going to the shop on Wednesday. I made the thread for a little fun for those who have a sense of humor.
But I do have the feeling whatever these two issues are is not going to be a cheap fix. Which sucks, because I am pretty much going to have to fix it unless it's more than a grand(and the van can limp along for another few months while I continue to save and look for a replacement).
edit: It's fuel injection. I am thinking it may be fuel filter, or pump. Don't think it is transmission, due to that it goes through the gears very smoothly. The transmission was serviced a while back as well, though after the miles put on since, that is probably no longer a sure thing.
My guess is that the tension pulley is getting ready to blow(squeaky noise) and for the other sound, thinking fuel filter/pump.
We'll see.....
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skywalker1
Trad climber
co
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Jul 23, 2018 - 04:03pm PT
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Take a video and post it?
S...
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Winemaker
Sport climber
Yakima, WA
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Jul 23, 2018 - 04:13pm PT
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Chirping noise probably = belts. Open the hood, run the engine, and listen for the noise. You should be able to pin it down a bit. If it seems like it's coming from the belt area try a small squirt of WD-40 on the running belt(s), one belt at a time. If the noise goes away that's where the problem is; change or re-tension the belts. I would suspect changing is the better option, as it sounds like this stuff doesn't get done often. As mentioned above, if it's not the belts it might be the alternator or the power steering pump; you can remove a belt and run the engine to see if that component is the noise maker. The other stuff like plugs, wires, etc. is a little more complex. Good luck. Great chalk bag by the way.
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Gary
Social climber
Desolation Basin, Calif.
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Jul 23, 2018 - 04:36pm PT
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So where does the multimeter figure into all this?
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Juan Maderita
Trad climber
"OBcean" San Diego, CA
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Jul 23, 2018 - 04:47pm PT
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Re: problem #2
As previously mentioned, squirt a little WD40 onto the moving belt, or spray belt dressing. If the noise goes away momentarily, then the belt is either too loose or glazed.
If the noise remains, you can check each of the bearings (alternator, idler pulley, AC, etc.) with a mechanics stethoscope. Or use a very long screwdriver (plastic end to your ear, please!). The sound transmits easily and will pinpoint the culprit. A good trick to know when keeping old vehicles running.
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-52500-Mechanics-Stethoscope/dp/B0002SQYSM
Even cheaper on eBay or Harbor Freight.
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Winemaker
Sport climber
Yakima, WA
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Jul 23, 2018 - 06:01pm PT
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Or use a very long screwdriver I forgot about that Juan!!! Almost anything works; especially good is a solid steel rod sort of thing with a larger end for the ear. It can be long, so no getting your hair caught in something turning. It's sort of like putting your ear to a railroad track to detect an oncoming train, except you don't get your head squished.
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Jul 23, 2018 - 06:14pm PT
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People who know little always blame the fuel filter / pump, but it’s almost never. Billions sold, only a few fixed anything. If the van runs at all - ie it at least starts - and has power to accelerate at highway speeds - at all, even with whatever the actual problem is manifesting itself - you can pretty much rule out fuel delivery.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Jul 23, 2018 - 06:25pm PT
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hey there say, happiegrrl... hope it all works out good...
>:D<
say, i got an old car 2002? i think... but not as old as your van-- i am thankful for an extended family member's help--or, i'd don't know what i'd do in SOME of the cases... *hee hee, i'd make a 'help thread' like you...
(i've had my share of computer-help threads and tech help stuff-- and, these guys have been just the BEST! great help, and delivered as a
job-well-done, by all of them) ...
so far, as to all that... thankfully, so good... thank god...
well, yes, and thank the guys for doing it all...
and-- we've all seen the medical 'any one been through this stuff before'
type stuff... you REALLY can solve a lot, by team work, here...
and, 'new info' on the scene... or:
great 'trail leads' as to 'where to go next' ...
say, susan:
as to your quote:
this was fun to see! :
Jul 23, 2018 - 12:17pm PT
I love your courage Happie. I do love travels with Happie and wish I had some advice...but alas I’m not much of a mechanic. However, I’m sure this thread is going to be entertaining, and that there will be some wonderful kernels of knowledge.
A mid summer read. I need one!
Susan
lastly... thank you supertopo folks-- you all are great!
when the 'chips are down' we don't have to feel like we are 'buried' by them...
we got folks here, that help 'chisel them off' ... :)
so we can breath... and, most importantly:
go onward...
:)
awwww, with a little help from our friends, and loved ones...
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