Hi guys, hopefully I can get some help from you all. I just joined here after picking up a pretty clean 85 xtracab. I am hearing a strange noise at idle and hoping someone might know what it is. The engine runs fine but i hear an intermittent sound that almost sounds like radio static when you are between stations. It comes and goes at irregular intervals, and sounds like it is near the rear of the valvecover area. Any ideas?

Also, I have a CEL, and am trying to check the code. I read about jumping the e1 and te1 (might be off on those pins, but i am working from memory here) pins, but i am not sure where to find the plug that has those pins.

Sorry to sound like a total noob and feel free to flame, these will be the dumbest questions i ever ask here.

 

Check your timing chain... that damn thing makes a ton of stupid sounds... and its pretty vital to the running of the engine (lol).

If that looks fine, try adjusting the throttle body idle air bypass screw a little. too much/not enough air will make funny sounds.

Those are both things I did on my 22re to reduce noise... stupid ˟˟˟˟tin things.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Definitely not the timing chain, but i will check the other items you listed. I just downloaded the awesome FSM for the truck so I found the answer to my second question about the diagnostics plug.


Figured out what was causing the sound. Its this deal here:


Apparently called a VSV. When i remove the black cap it doesn't make a peep, but then gets loud as soon as i replace it. I know its for the AC, but I am not sure how to get rid of the sound without removing it and losing its functionality.