Alternator issues I think...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,401
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Alternator issues I think...
Posted in C4 Gen but thought I may get a quicker response here:
"So I drive the 89 to work today and all is good. Get in at the end of the day, start her up (starts fine) and I notice a whining noise from the engine bay. Let her idle for a minute or two and then figure it's either a belt or the alternator and said a few prayers that I get home w/o something crapping out. Seems to be driving fine but every time I get to a stoplight I can hear the whining noise. Check the voltage and it stayed between 11.7 - 11.9 the whole damn ride home.
Sounds like an alternator issue...yes???
If so, what's the CF recommended alternator and how hard is it to change out myself (fairly novice mechanic).
Thanks all!
"
"So I drive the 89 to work today and all is good. Get in at the end of the day, start her up (starts fine) and I notice a whining noise from the engine bay. Let her idle for a minute or two and then figure it's either a belt or the alternator and said a few prayers that I get home w/o something crapping out. Seems to be driving fine but every time I get to a stoplight I can hear the whining noise. Check the voltage and it stayed between 11.7 - 11.9 the whole damn ride home.
Sounds like an alternator issue...yes???
If so, what's the CF recommended alternator and how hard is it to change out myself (fairly novice mechanic).
Thanks all!
"
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 589
Likes: 1
From: Tucker GA
Assuming all the pullies are tight and working and the serpentine belt is not slipping the alternator is going. My bet is the alternator is toast. Do not delay and replace ASAP.
Replacing is easy, however, I suggest you search prior posts in the Forum and determine if you want to replace with a higher amp version. The stock 105 AMP alternators that came on 89's and other years just don't hold up.
BTW The hardest part of replacing mine was replacing the belt. The tools I had were not designed to fit and it is a very tight fit between the frame rail and the tensioner.
Good luck.
Bob
Replacing is easy, however, I suggest you search prior posts in the Forum and determine if you want to replace with a higher amp version. The stock 105 AMP alternators that came on 89's and other years just don't hold up.
BTW The hardest part of replacing mine was replacing the belt. The tools I had were not designed to fit and it is a very tight fit between the frame rail and the tensioner.
Good luck.
Bob
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,401
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Thanks Bob...I was looking through my service manual and came to the same exact conclusion as you regarding replacing it...basically that the hardest part would be getting the drivebelt off/on. Also, I have no idea what a "1/2 inch breaker bar" is...that's what the book says to use to rotate the tensioner.
I also saw a 140 amp alternator at either MAD or Ecklers for ~$280...assuming the 140 would be more than sufficient vs. the 105?
Thanks again,
Scott
I also saw a 140 amp alternator at either MAD or Ecklers for ~$280...assuming the 140 would be more than sufficient vs. the 105?
Thanks again,
Scott
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,401
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Also, will the car still start as long as the battery is good? Or will a blown alternator mean she won't start at all? If it can't start, can I use my portable charger for a manual jump and then get it to my mechanic (if I chose not to do it myself) or would I run the risk of dying on the road?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by jerseyvette
Also, will the car still start as long as the battery is good? Or will a blown alternator mean she won't start at all? If it can't start, can I use my portable charger for a manual jump and then get it to my mechanic (if I chose not to do it myself) or would I run the risk of dying on the road?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Your battery is discharged and should be charged up with a battery charger. Your alternator likely is toast and should be replaced, but I would have it tested at a parts store first as there are other causes for the alternator not charging than only the alternator. It is fairly easy to replace the alternator and the belt can be removed by using a 1/2 inch breaker bar inserted in the square hole in the belt tensioner arm and then taking the tension off the belt so you can remove it from the alternator pulley. Unscrew two bolts on the front of the alternator, unscrew a bolt from the brace on the rear of the alternator and unplug the wiring harness connector and remove the nut on the large red wire on the back of the alternator (after first removing the negative cable from the battery) and you can remove the alternator. Reverse the process to install a new alternator. You do not need to buy a larger than stock alternator ! But you do need to buy a quality rebuilt alternator, I recommend a Delco rebuilt alternator from Advance Auto which has a lifetime guarantee.
I own and drive every day an 87 vette and I have had to replace the alternator 3 times in 16 years.
I own and drive every day an 87 vette and I have had to replace the alternator 3 times in 16 years.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,401
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Originally Posted by jfb
Your battery is discharged and should be charged up with a battery charger. Your alternator likely is toast and should be replaced, but I would have it tested at a parts store first as there are other causes for the alternator not charging than only the alternator. It is fairly easy to replace the alternator and the belt can be removed by using a 1/2 inch breaker bar inserted in the square hole in the belt tensioner arm and then taking the tension off the belt so you can remove it from the alternator pulley. Unscrew two bolts on the front of the alternator, unscrew a bolt from the brace on the rear of the alternator and unplug the wiring harness connector and remove the nut on the large red wire on the back of the alternator (after first removing the negative cable from the battery) and you can remove the alternator. Reverse the process to install a new alternator. You do not need to buy a larger than stock alternator ! But you do need to buy a quality rebuilt alternator, I recommend a Delco rebuilt alternator from Advance Auto which has a lifetime guarantee.
I own and drive every day an 87 vette and I have had to replace the alternator 3 times in 16 years.
I own and drive every day an 87 vette and I have had to replace the alternator 3 times in 16 years.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
A breaker bar is a long handled tool, about 20 inches long with a 1/2 inch square drive on its end so you can put a 1/2 in drive socket on it and apply a large amount of torque to a nut, larger torque than a 1/2 in ratchet wrench. Try," breaker bar", on Google images and you should get a picture of one.
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