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Alternator noise?

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:27 pm
by monkeyplex
Hey guys,

My alternator seems to be making a strange plastic vibration noise, got it dirty and wet last weekend, but it's charging at 14 volts fine. The noise seems to be coming from the alternator, I cant be sure if it is. But the noise sounds distinctley plastic like. Any ideas?

Any help appreciated

Cheers

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 10:12 pm
by Oscars
doesnt sound bearing but get a long screwdriver and put the end on your alt while running and ear on other end and listen u should be able to hear i the bearings are stuffed. to compare sound do same to other pullys etc. maybe a leaf syuck in there also. give it a spray and a blow out with a dust gun too.

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 10:24 pm
by matthewK
how long the noise be going on it?

dosent smell like its burning out or anything?



the one on my nissan was making some noise but was more bearing had it in 1 day and burnt itself out and was up at 17 volts

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 11:04 pm
by chimpboy
I think you've just got to spend a while looking and listening, including listening through a rubber hose (hold the hose to your ear, point it at different places in the engine bay) to really narrow down the noise.

If it's the alternator, pull it out and clean it with a pressure washer, then spray it in all the moving places with WD40. If that fails to eliminate the noise, you'll have to open it up and clean it properly. If that fails, carry a spare alternator and you will have enough practice to swap it in really quick when the old one fails :)

Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 11:29 am
by monkeyplex
thanks guys appreciate the help,

in answer to your question mathewk, it's being happening for about a week now, although ive only driven her a couple of times to the shop. No burning smell either.

Cheers mates