My engine has started "squeaking" lately, at idle only

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

The belt itself can cause this issue. Here is an easy test. With the engine at an idle, pour a small amount of water on the belt. If the sound changes, either the belt is loose or dry.

Do this first and let me know what you find. As far as the fan clutch, there is a test that requires special tooling. Basically, you place a speed sensor on the blade and based on temperature and RPM, the fan should be spinning at a specified speed.

Try the water test and let me know what you find. Also, make sure the tensioner is keeping things tight.

Take care,
Joe

Joe,

Thanks for the reply.

I did the water test and nothing changed. But, before I started the engine, I spun the fan to see how many times it would spin with the fan clutch. It was tight. I could only get the the blades to spin about an inch, 2" at the most. The current outside temperature is 41 degrees real feel 31 degrees with the wind gusting 15-21 mph. That's why I'm thinking the fan clutch might be okay. I also grabbed a hold of the fan and moved it back and forth, side to side. It's tight. If it were the water pump bearing, wouldn't it squeal all the time, instead of it squealing every five seconds, quit, then squeal?
The tensioner looks good, not bouncing erratic. I'm almost wanting to say the upper idler pulley, lower idler pulley, or tensioner pulley, might be the culprit.
I have an appointment with a local Indy shop that will diagnose it for $20.00 Tuesday morning. My cousin diagnosed it originally and replaced the A/C clutch and pulley (which had a lot of play in it). I'm on SSDI and if the government catches me working on my truck I will lose my disability. I was forced to retire in 2011 after working for thirty nine years. I miss doing my own mechanic work.
Any more advice you can give me to figure this out before Tuesday is greatly appreciated!

Welcome back:

I have a feeling the clutch fan is okay, too. I don't ever remember one making a noise like you described, but that doesn't mean it isn't possible. It has to be one of the bearing on one of the components. If I had to guess, I would first suspect the belt tensionier pulley.

I wish I could give you a clear cut answer, but that's tough to do under the circumstances. However, I would try the accessories again focusing on the tensioner and idler pulley.

Hey Joe.
I wanted to let you know the problem was the cam synchronizer. The internal bushings dry up and there are only (2) options to fix it;
1) Remove the cam sensor and squirt a couple of shots of motor oil inside the shaft so as the oil seeps down to the bushings.
2) Replace it.
I had to do #2. My bushings were too far gone.
Below is a video of what it sounded like. The 4.2 is just a 3.8 bored out (as you know).
https://youtu.be/ge3S0xIMm3o
https://youtu.be/Q9Dm2iMBEKI

Welcome back:
I never suspected that. Have you already made the repairs?

Joe

GM Joe.
My son works for a Ford dealership about 125 miles from me. His shop foreman is doing the repair for me today. While he's in there I'm having him change my t-stat and flush & fill the coolant.
There are BOO KOO videos all over YOU TUBE about this. Just enter "FORD 3.8/4.2 V6 CAM SYNCHRONIZER SQUEAK" and hold on!

Wow!!! I haven't seen one in person yet. But, I see what you mean.

I'm glad you're getting it fixed.

Take care,
Joe