I am still hearing a small squeking sound?

[bluebombersfan]

I replaced the alternator last year thinking it was that but now thats its winter and cold I can slighlty hear it again.
It has a 105k on it. I have been warned about the cam synchro issue but I don't think its that. I have seen youtube video's with bad cam sychro's and it gives a very distinct bird like chirping sound. This is nothing like the noise I am hearing so I hope I am in the clear.
It is a very quite and mild squeak sound, like a bearing would make. But which one is the problem.
Can I just leave this alone untill it gets louder? It sounds very quiet, you can just barely hear it. I am starting to think its the idler pulley. I just don't want to waste money replacing everything. I figure I can just leave it untill the noise is more noticeable that something is clearly wrong because like I said right now I can barely hear it and it doesn't do it all the time.

 

[adsm08]

It sounds like it is probably a cam synchro. I've seen them left go for extended periods, and wouldn't be too afraid to do it myself, but in extreme cases it can lead to oil starvation because the synchro runs the oil pump.

Best thing to do, start then engine and get a long 3/8th's extension out. Out one end on the cam sensor if you can get at it, and stick the other end in your ear. You will know pretty quick if that is your problem.


If you can't get an extension in there a decent automotive stethoscope is only about $12.

 

[bluebombersfan]

I don't even really understand where it is.

I started my truck without the belt on and heard nothing for 30 seconds. But sometimes the squeak goes away. Someone told me I can't run it longer then 20 seconds without the belt, but since it's winter here and temperatures are -15C, I would think I could start it up in the morning without a belt for a minute or two?

Even if I could run it for about a minute that would be good. The squeaking comes and goes every 10 or 30 seconds.

 

[McCormack]

An out of alignment tensioner pulley is common on 3.0 Rangers and causes the serpentine belt to squeak. Put a straight edge on your tensioner pulley and see if it lines up with your crank pulley. If not, then you've probably found the source of your squeak.