Turbo Howl ? - Diesel Forum

Walter Werbeck · 09-07-2009, 08:40 PM

Hello Fellow Dieselier's,

While towing my 7,500+ pound travel trailer, I heard an unusual howling sound from engine. The sound came while accelerating up a mild grade at highway speed, and went something like this: Accelerate, truck downshift, howl for a few seconds, howl stops while still accelerating. No turbo or power loss, end of story. Any ideas as to what this sound might be are appreciated.

novimustang · 09-07-2009, 09:16 PM

Are you sure you're not hearing the fan cycle on and off?

stoverbro · 09-07-2009, 10:56 PM

bingo

Walter Werbeck · 09-08-2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novimustang

Are you sure you're not hearing the fan cycle on and off?

Thanks Novimustang,
The answer to your question is no, I am not sure if what I'm hearing is the fan. Is the fan part of the turbo assembly? Why does the fan make so much noise? Why haven't I heard this noise before?

wareagle08 · 09-08-2009, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walter Werbeck

Thanks Novimustang,
The answer to your question is no, I am not sure if what I'm hearing is the fan. Is the fan part of the turbo assembly? Why does the fan make so much noise? Why haven't I heard this noise before?

Walt, I know exactly the noise you are talking about. Sounds kinda howl-ish. Had the same concerns with my truck and ended figuring out it was the fan going cylcing on and off. No worries man

Walter Werbeck · 09-08-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wareagle08

Walt, I know exactly the noise you are talking about. Sounds kinda howl-ish. Had the same concerns with my truck and ended figuring out it was the fan going cylcing on and off. No worries man

Hello WarEagle08,
So far all replies to my concern are unanimous and reassuring...
Thanks all.

bcollison1 · 09-08-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walter Werbeck

Hello Fellow Dieselier's,

While towing my 7,500+ pound travel trailer, I heard an unusual howling sound from engine. The sound came while accelerating up a mild grade at highway speed, and went something like this: Accelerate, truck downshift, howl for a few seconds, howl stops while still accelerating. No turbo or power loss, end of story. Any ideas as to what this sound might be are appreciated.

These fans have about 3 speeds and sounds:
Low: "Oh that's the fan, I do have my A/C on and it is hot outside"
Medium: "Wow that fan is loud" That sucker is moving some air!!
High: Holy moses!! What the hell is that!! It sounds like an 18 wheeler is next to my window.

2Tight · 09-08-2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcollison1

These fans have about 3 speeds and sounds:
Low: "Oh that's the fan, I do have my A/C on and it is hot outside"
Medium: "Wow that fan is loud" That sucker is moving some air!!
High: Holy moses!! What the hell is that!! It sounds like an 18 wheeler is next to my window.

Thanks, finally a good description of the fan noise. I asked this same question a few days ago. I almost had a seizure the first time I heard this symphony of noise towing in the mountains last weekend. High speed sounds like a jet landing on your hood. It mimics the trans slipping, the engine racing, and the turbo screaming all at once.