CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Maintenance => Topic started by: lakeholme on May 20, 2007, 06:23:34 PM

Title: Alternator Whine?
Post by: lakeholme on May 20, 2007, 06:23:34 PM
OK, what does it mean when the alternator has a distinct high pitched whine?

I looked at a 68 Camaro similar to mine for a friend yesterday, and I couldn't help but notice this whine.  The idle is set up way too high on the car so that may account for some of it.

BTW, the date on the alternator shows it is a 69 alternator, so I told him he would probably want to replace it everntually anyway.  The car was in good shape otherwise --just in need of a good tune up.  But the whine was noticeable...
Title: Re: Alternator Whine?
Post by: 68Zproject on May 21, 2007, 06:57:21 AM
Bearing going out?  He could sell the alt. and make enough to pay for 10 aftermarket ones if it's a Z28 alt.
Title: Re: Alternator Whine?
Post by: dab67 on May 21, 2007, 04:32:11 PM
Phillip:

I agree, sounds like a bearing going out. I replaced mine at the end of the last yearwith the same symptoms.

Dave
Title: Re: Alternator Whine?
Post by: rich69rs on May 21, 2007, 06:12:58 PM
Similar experience as well - time for a rebuild.
Title: Re: Alternator Whine?
Post by: 1968RSZ28 on May 21, 2007, 06:30:58 PM
And while you have it apart replacing both bearings, don't forget to replace the brushes too!  It's easy and a lot of fun!   :)

Paul
Title: Re: Alternator Whine?
Post by: dab67 on May 21, 2007, 06:33:40 PM
Or another possibility could be the water pump. Sometimes the sound of where you think it is coming from may actually be someplace else :-\
Title: Re: Alternator Whine?
Post by: lakeholme on May 21, 2007, 09:14:00 PM
Thanks for the help!  I thought it might be a bearing, but I've never dealt with that, so it's helpful to talk with those who have.  ;D