Loud squalling noise from Inline 6

[AZKen]

Sorry about the idle problem. Gotta get that fixed also. Take off the belt(s) and start it up and see if it squeaks. That will tell you if it's the belt or something it drives. You can't tell if a belt squeaks by looking at it or tightness.

[FetchMeAPepsi]

Originally Posted by rusty66

Glad I could give you guys a good laugh. Pretty sure its not the radio since the truck does not have one. I will change the fuel filter when I rebuild the carb. I haven't been able to keep the engine running to get close to the noise as I have no help and the truck won't idle. I think it might be a bearing in the generator maybe.

You start it, it starts, then dies? Is that right? All within a few seconds? (10-20)

If so, maybe your generator is out and it's not able to keep the truck running. I hear they're easy to rebuild, but you could also swap to a GM 2 wire alternator too pretty easily. You might can kill 2 birds with one hammer!

[rusty66]

Thank you all for the advice. I will let you know how it comes out soon.

[GMCDAC]

Hi Rusty66, I will add one more thing, that may or may not apply to your generator. The one on my '55 GMC has lubrication ports on each end. I know this generator is later model than the truck but I don't know how much. Once a year I add a couple drops of 10wt oil to them.

DAC

[turbobill]

Originally Posted by rusty66

I am having trouble with my 250ci inline 6 stock engine. It won't idle. Carb looked dirty, black gunky inside so I have decided to rebuild the carb. The truck is also now making an awful sound like a cat squalling. Anyone that could help me figure out the likely cause, I would appreciate the help. The truck still has the generator setup.

Sounds like a vacuum leak. I've seen carburetor base and body gaskets act like a reed in a musical instrument, resulting in some pretty strange noises. Make sure everything is tight. Also spraying carb cleaner or some other solvent around suspected area's may help you find vacuum leaks too.

[rusty66]

Hi All,
Changed the fuel filter and have a carb kit from NAPA. Got some help from my wife and started the truck after changing the filter. It still won't idle but the noise is from the base of the carb I think, as Turbobill suggested. i will work on the carb kit tomorrow. Looks like I might have to replace the gas tank and fuel lines at some point too.

[AZKen]

Good work Rusty and Turbo!!!!!
Rusty, I think that filter tells you something. Make sure you clean everything well. Your fuel system is "Gumby ******"

[bluestreak1854]

Check to see whether something is stuck in the PCV valve. If it's dumping too much vacuum, it will make the engine run rough and not want to idle and can sometimes make a squealing noise.

[bluestreak1854]

Also the squalling noise could be from a stopped up exhaust system.

[rusty66]

Very late update. I took the intake/exhaust manifold off and cleaned up the surfaces and replaced the gasket with one from NAPA. Put on the carb I got from GMCDAC (thanks again Doug). The engine runs and idles now. Thanks to all for the help.

Gary in Tenn.