I have a 2007 Freestar 4.2L with 175,000 miles on it, within the last couple months it has started making a squawking noise during a cold start (see attached video). Some times it's worse than others, it is sometimes constant then cuts in and out and eventually stops after five minutes or less. I removed the serpentine belt and started it up and still get the same noise so I've confirmed it's not any of the accessories or pulleys, but rather something internal in the engine. It sounds louder from the top side so I'm not sure what exactly it could be, and changing RPMs affects it, sometimes it goes away at idle and comes back at about 2000 RPMs or so if I rev it. I was worried it might be a crank or connecting rod bearing at first, but the oil looks ok so far, and I would think it should have gotten worse much quicker than this and not stop after warming up, and I haven't lost power or had any other running issues. I'd appreciate any input on what this could be so I can address it before it turns into a big problem. Thanks!

 

I would check your PCV valve for proper operation. You have a heated PCV valve and it could be froze up or the spring is too weak for proper operation.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check the PCV valve. My brother also listened to it and suggested it might be the cam synchronizer, I'm going to check that out as well.

 

Could be a cam synchro going south. They normally start out showing their ugly face with a bird chirping noise. Let us know what you find.

 

Ok, I finally got around to working on the van, turns out it was the cam synchronizer. It was a two hour job to get it done, but I replaced it and no more noise! What's interesting is the old synchronizer didn't appear to have any issues when I pulled it out, however after letting it sit for a while I noticed some play in the bearing when spinning it by hand. I got the new synchronizer from rock auto for about $35 and that included a new cam position sensor and the synchronizer alignment tool.

 

Cool...Glad you were able to get it fixed. I think most cam synchro's go out due to poor design to get oil to the upper bearing on it. Just a bad oiling design all the way around. Both the ESSEX and the VULCAN engines are like that. The on on our Freestar started chirping and was causing a very harsh transmission buck. Made me think I was going to see the tranny laying in the road in the rear view mirror...