Problems. Truck or me?

I've been noticing some small changes in general performance lately. Mostly subtle. I might be tripping. Or maybe these things might be worth addressing. I'm interested if y'all have any insight.

First off, I have about 115,000 on the clock. I've owned it since 20,000. Well maintained, IMO. V6, AT.

Here's the things:

- Taco tick has changed pitch and volume. Louder and clunkier. It's always had a pronounced tick since I got it. I've done the rubber washer spacer mod. I've spazzed out on a zillion videos. Nothing helped. I thought I gave my taco tick paranoia to Jesus, but now it's changed. I'm back on the crazy train. Someone please tell me to shut up about it.

- Engine seems to be revving higher above 60mph, almost like it wants to shift into a higher gear. Revs at 1900-2000 at 65mph. Fuel economy has dropped slightly. Maybe .5 mpg. This is Fuelly data, not a guess.

- After turning key to off, engine seems to lurch or continue running for a second (maybe less than a second).

- Yesterday, my AC stopped blowing cold. Only lasted for a single 10 minute trip. Today it blew cold like it never happened. Kinda smelled funny for a minute.

Anyways, that's the deal. Could it be something drive belt related? Belt is factory. I inspect it regularly. Seems to be in good shape.

Also, all fluids have been changed and flushed at 100k. I cleaned throttle body and MAF. No codes, no CEL.

Again, some of this stuff is subtle. The revving higher could just be me hyper-fixating. Maybe I just never noticed before.

Any thoughts?

 

You been using Mushrooms….

 

Haha...not in the last 15 years or so.

 

Did the AC light blink while it wouldn’t work?

 

No. Everything normal.

 

Could be a few things… was the blower working?

 

Fuel filter ever changed?

Also run a bottle of Techron or two through it, and do some max throttle acceleration to cook off any carbon or other deposits.

 

AC blower, that whole system from the hood valance intake to the filter can collect a lot of debris. If the fan is sucking hard it can collapse the filter. Just clean that from head to toe also. Chance a bit of twig and stuff interfered with duct flow temporarily.

 

Never changed the fuel filter. I have always understood it to be "permanent".

I use a bottle of Techron with every oil change.

I have been running it really soft lately for fuel economy. Maybe I'll do a few rips.

 

I change the cabin air filter once per year. It's actually due in January. But, I'll have a look and see if there is debris in the system. Thanks!

 

Yes. Fan was blowing fine on all speeds. Just no cold air.

 

EPDM belts nowadays often don't crack. They lose material and the ribs get thinner. 115k is a good time to replace it.

Wash the condenser and radiator. There are special sprays and wash fluids for this purpose.

When was the last time you replaced the PCV valve?

 

Man not sure if I have my old 1st gen on the brain with the FF. It was nasty at 100k. My 2nd gen only just turned 60K.

So yeah, you seem on top of everything, so give it a good heavy foot flogging when it's nice and hot.

 

Have you been experiencing large temperature swings where you live?

the AC smelling funny (like a gym sock) is normal after not being used for a while. So if your area got cold then warm and cold and warm I’m assuming the truck is just trying to keep up with the calculations.

a free test would be to disconnect the battery for 60 seconds and let the computer recalibrate to your footprint.