On my 1990 5.0 LX 7up 'vert with auto trans, about 93,000 'easy' miles.

Noise has been mistaken by others as sounding like I have a supercharger, it occurs only when the engine is cold. After driving for a while (like 10 min.) it goes away.

Thought I'd get on here before stopping at the dealer.

Name That Noise!! Who want's to play? LOL

 

Im guessing the power steering pump ...possibly air in the system

 

When i first installed my Gatorback serpentine belt, it sounded like a supercharger. I took it off and flipped it around. Noise stopped.

 

More than likely it's the cooling fan clutch. Test the fan by trying to spin it by hand when it's cold and the engine is off, the fan should spin freely.

 

I would make a decent video if you can and post it of the noise. have the hood open and move around the car, under the front end, etc. right now this is purely a shot in the dark trying to guess.

 

Engine cold, checked fan, spins freely.

 

 

OK, so here is what the local Ford dealer says:

Noise is NOT from the power steering pump, transmission needs to eventually be rebuilt (but not critical right now). Cost: $2200+

Also, radiator has small leak. New radiator and labor: $600+

So just under 3 grand. Ouch.

I plan to keep this car for a while, so eventually these repairs will need to be done.

 

get a 2nd opinion. and that rad quote is insane.

 

My thoughts exactly, will be getting a 2nd and probably 3rd opinion.

 

I agree, get another opinion, try a local shop and a transmission place.

 

Jumping in late, to agree with others... $2200 for a transmission rebuild? WOW! You can probably get a race trans for less, including a good torque converter.

$600 should get you a gold plated radiator, or at least silver! You can buy one from your local parts store, probably for under $100 and definitely under $200. You could, if you don't specifically want to keep it all stock(and you may), get an aftermarket(say, Griffin) rad and electric fan setup for about $600.

As for the noise. Maybe it's a vacuum leak. Maybe even a loose connection of the intake tubing, either at the mass air meter or the throttle body. If you want the quick way to check for those, here goes... Get a can of ether(starting fluid). Start the engine. Spray(sparingly) over vacuum and intake areas. If the engine idle jumps up, check that spot because it means the ether got in. Before going to that trouble, check things like hoses and pcv for cracks, etc. There's a good chance you'll find it. Maybe it's time for a new intake gasket.