Alternator going south?

November 22, 2006, 07:13:07 PM

I'm not sure when it started, but perhaps when the electric fan was installed. Just idling, without the fan or stereo plugged in (DCC controller left screwed in though), without any lights on, it sounds like the alternator is spinning up and down on its own. It gets higher pitched for 6-8 seconds and drops in pitch for the next 6-8...and repeats. Engine speed isn't budging.

For whatever reason, I'm only getting 13.2-13.6v at idle, with the above things disconnected (stays the same with them connected and running though) where it would idle at 14.3 when I bought the thing last year.

Waiting for my voltmeter to add to the dash, will give me a better idea of whats going on and when.

edit:
forgot, and the voltage stays in the same range when changing pitch

Alternator going south?

Reply #1 – November 22, 2006, 07:31:39 PM

It sounds like the bearings are on their way out.