Dead motor or normal noise?

[skunked]

In a 1997 f250 7.3 PSD I have a noise that sounds a lot like the famed "cackle" or "idle knock" but I have not been able to find anyone that says the '97's get this noise. Am I worrying too much or might this be a real problem. No other symptoms that I can find.
Thanks

[mschn99]

is it running well?? have you listened to other similar motors to compare??

You could have injector problems if its not running well, since that is what the "knock" or "crackle" comes frome on a direct injected motor....

[skunked]

Aside from the noise it seems to be running okay, I have not yet been able to listen to another truck at close range.

[mschn99]

from your description my best guess is it would be normal.....since i cant hear it, i cant say for sure....but it sounds to me like your describing normal injector knock....

[skunked]

I was leaning in that direction but since I just laid down a fair chunk o' cash for this b(*&h I would like to have a truck that isn't dead. Any clues to maybe narrow this down to a normal situation or TID ( truck in danger) situation. I am somewhat alarmed as the noise seems to be strongest right in front of the truck about half way down the radiator, right on the center line of the motor, ( I have visions of the oil pump rapidly destroying itself!)
Thanks

[mschn99]

i think your best bet would be to go listen to another similar truck if you can get one lined up. The racket the injectors make is pretty loud and definately doesnt sound right to someone newer to HP oil driven injectors. The noise your hearing is the amplifier piston in the injector working.....

[skunked]

Well it seems it might be the vacuum pump that I just replaced was DOA, should have another one in this morning. I took to belt off and the noise went away, hope it is not the powersteering.
Thanks