I've got over 80k miles on my 2003 v6 mustang and I recently ran into some issues. I went to start it up one day and the engine revved up and down rapidly while squealing loud. My first instinct as to how it sounded was that it could be the cam shaft bearings. It was a metal on metal sound that was awful. Within 10-15 seconds the engine died. I restarted it and it did the same thing a few more times. I finally was able to get it to run after a few starts but it still made the noise intermittently. Thinking it may just be an idler pulley or an alternator, which I've gone through three of, I drove it to AutoZone to get some parts. Each time it would squeal when driving it the rpms would drop severely and it would even die if I was at an idle. I would feel a jolt if I was up to speed. I changed the alternator, idler pulley, and water pump but it still made the squealing noise. It seemed to come from the front of the engine behind the water pump. The only thing I can think of in that general area would be the dynamic balancing shaft??? I doubt its the cam shaft bearings because the oil pressure is good and there aren't any leaks? I parked it for a few months and drove my other car and now it won't make the noise anymore? I need to fix it but can't pull it apart if there aren't any symptoms anymore since I don't know where the problem is. Any help is appreciated.

 

Sorry to hear that man, but for tech help you might have some better luck at the link below as this part of the site is just about dead.

http://www.3.8mustang.com/forum/index.php

Word to the wise, they can be some jerks over there. If you can ignore the butts, there is some knowledgeable people there.

GoodLuck

 

Take a look at your Cam synchronizer assembly-it is in the front of the engine where the distributor used to be. We have seen some of the bushings internal to the synchronizer wear and cause a drag on the synchronizer shaft-this manifests itself as a squeal at or near idle and an stall condition. You may or may not see some misfire codes or a service engine lamp. Be sure to replace the synchronizer and sensor as a unit. Hope this helps and good luck. BTW, have never seen any issues with balance shafts. Especially in well maintained engines, which I assume yours is.
Cheers,
Matt

 

I think you may be on to something Tiberius1701. I'll take a look at that today. Thanks for the link lowblustang00.

 

I finally got around to replacing the Camshaft Synchronizer Assembly but the engine seems to be running poorly once I did. The check engine light also came on with a P1336 code. I think theres some way I need to reprogram the new sensor but I don't know how? All the information I could find just suggests to take it into a shop or the dealership which I really don't want to do because they mess up more than they fix every time. Does anyone know how I can do this? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.