4 replies to this topic

[Sagey]

Model: Mayfair
Year: 1986
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

Well recently i have been getting a squeeling sound which im guessing is from the alternator, but not 100% sure on that.
when this squelling occurs the voltage drops on my smiths voltmeter dial.
From testing it doesnt happen all the time if i turn my lights on or have the wipers on.

Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem?

not that im aware of

any help is much appreciated

[dklawson]

The squealing is most likely the fan belt slipping on the pulleys. There are four main possibilities. Work your way through these in order of increasing costs.

1) The belt is loose. Tighten it so there is about 1/2" [12mm] of deflection when pressed by hand in the middle of its longest span between pulleys.
2) The belt is old and glazed. Replace with a new belt and tension as mentioned above.
3) & 4) The alternator or water pump bearings are going bad. Remove the belt and turn the pulleys on the water pump and the alternator by hand. You're feeling for any binding, bumping, grinding, or other non-smooth behavior. If you find any, repair or replace whichever component feels rough.

[liirge]

yer DK's hit it on the head,
it sounds like BELT more than anything
if you tighten the belt and after a day or 2 the squeal comes back then you know the belt is stretching and needs to be replaced!

[stormintrooper]

im suspectin my fanbelt was loose or needs replacing, cnt test the above sein as half the engine has been taken out

but the thing that makes me question the noise that im hearin is that it sound like it coming from behin me when i accelerate (not when moving just on my front yard) which had me puzzled sein as nothin mechanical is behind the driver, is it possible its jus sounds as if its coming from behind me

[Sagey]

thanks for reply i will have a look tomorrow!

many thanks
chris