6 replies to this topic

[gkearney]

Hello all,

I seem to have quite a high pitched tone coming from the alternator thats almost like a whine, but the only way I can describe it is its more like that constant background noise that was in the background of the Enterprise bridge on the original Star Trek series (know what I mean?).

 

It's quite loud and the alternator is relatively new (about a year old). I was wondering if there's anything I could do to dampen it down/ lessen it. 

Fanbelt seems ok as well.

 

Any suggestions anyone?

 

Thanks

Gavin

[jime17]

Check the fanbelt tension. If its to taut it may put too much load on the bearing which can lead to premature failure.

Are you sure its not the water pump?

You can check by placing one end of a long implement like a screwdriver, breaker bar, socket extension bar or the like against what you believe is the offending item and the other end against your ear. You will hear the noise more clearly and be able to rule out what it isn't.

Apologies if these are things you already know.

[gkearney]

Thanks Jime!

No I'm relatively new to this (loving it though).

 

Good suggestion, will try that out.

And if it is the water pump, can anything be done?

 

G

[KernowCooper]

Slip the belt off and roatate both the alternator / water pump and feel/listen for any bearing noise, thats if you cant identify which it is using the method above, a screw driver makes a good stethoscope. If its the pump get a new one from Minispares and the alternator may have the front bearing gone, depending on your skill/tools you can get replacement bearings from a supplier, they all have numbers on.

[jime17]

As kernow cooper said really.

once established which was the culprit, if it were me I'd slacken off the belt as much as I dare without compromising its effectiveness and just see how it went.

I'd be more inclined to get the alternator seen to more quickly if its thats the cause as I'd assume bearing failure in that would have a more problematic effect and cause bigger problems more rapidly, whereas if the water pump isn't leaking I'd put up with the noise for a while.

The sensible thing to do I guess would be to change the offending part straight away as KC says. He's an experienced chap and his advice is sound.

[gkearney]

Many thanks guys,

Some incredibly useful advice there.

 

G

[jime17]

There are some very experienced people on this forum. (I'm not including myself in that)