Something's Goin Bad
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Something's Goin Bad
Last Friday I noticed a "whining" sound coming from under the hood.
(wife and kids weren't there
)
Its pitch goes up and down with the RPM, and is there when hot or cold. I'm pretty sure it's the bearings in either the Alternator, the smog pump, or P/S pump.
I listened to the alt and smog pump using a long screwdriver against my ear, and the sound is definitely being transmitted thru the upper mount, hiding the source.
When the engine was cool, I dropped the belt off the alternator and got it spinning and listened again, nothing.
I'm not able to get the smog pump or steering pump spinning quickly enuff to tell if it's coming from either of them.
What do you guys think? How do you think I should try to identify
which component is about to fry? Obviously, I'd like to catch it before it damages something else.
Thanks in advance for your help.
(wife and kids weren't there
)Its pitch goes up and down with the RPM, and is there when hot or cold. I'm pretty sure it's the bearings in either the Alternator, the smog pump, or P/S pump.
I listened to the alt and smog pump using a long screwdriver against my ear, and the sound is definitely being transmitted thru the upper mount, hiding the source.
When the engine was cool, I dropped the belt off the alternator and got it spinning and listened again, nothing.
I'm not able to get the smog pump or steering pump spinning quickly enuff to tell if it's coming from either of them.
What do you guys think? How do you think I should try to identify
which component is about to fry? Obviously, I'd like to catch it before it damages something else.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 2
From: Dumas Arkansas
How's your transmission? My other car was a Nissan 300zx and the alternator went out/died going down the highway one time. I had to turn the lights, A/C, radio off to barely make it home. If your alternator is dying I think you'll know it because if their like the Nissan it quits all at once and you'll have to replace it immediately. Since getting my Vette back in Nov. I went ahead and installed a new alternator but never had any problems with the one that was in it.
This past week my harmonic balancer is shaking like a vibrator. Have you checked that?
This past week my harmonic balancer is shaking like a vibrator. Have you checked that?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Thanks for the reply Slick. I thought of the transmission, and since you asked, I'll take a look. While there may be a problem with the balancer, there's been no other indication to lead me to that.
The last alternator that went out on me was in a truck a few years back. It worked fine, but it was howling from bad bearings, and when I removed the belt, it had a noticeable "gravel-like" feeling to the bearings. The alternator in the Vette does not have that gravel feel to it, and the smog pump and p/s pump seem to feel OK.
The last alternator that went out on me was in a truck a few years back. It worked fine, but it was howling from bad bearings, and when I removed the belt, it had a noticeable "gravel-like" feeling to the bearings. The alternator in the Vette does not have that gravel feel to it, and the smog pump and p/s pump seem to feel OK.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Is the alternator HOT?
Like too hot to touch after running a few minutes?
What is the volt meter reading with all the lights and accessories off?
Like too hot to touch after running a few minutes?
What is the volt meter reading with all the lights and accessories off?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
I haven't looked to find if one part is heating up mor quickly than the others, but that's a good idea.
The in-dash volt-meter sez it's putting out anywhere from 13.3 to 13.8
if I remember correctly.
The in-dash volt-meter sez it's putting out anywhere from 13.3 to 13.8
if I remember correctly.
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Total guess is : Either Alt. or Power Steering Pump. you might have to keep yhr belt on and let it idle and get a Bar or your long screw drive and put it on the component in question. Be careful!vThis should be able to help you identify the culprit. Mine was an alternater, when I put the stethescope on it WOW! Yup that was it for sure!
Thanks,Matt
Thanks,Matt
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Today's a new day, and here's an update.
This morning Iwas idling in traffic, A/C was "off" and also tried "ECON"
and the volt meter was right on 12.2. It would immediately go up if I gassed it. I came home and tried to further isolate the alternator by
releasing the top aluminum bracket. Listened to both the smog pump and the alt., and I'm starting to go with the alternator as the culprit.
I was able to get the extension to the P/S pump, it had minimal sound, making me think the sound at the p/s pump was being transmitted to it thru the belt and other associated mounts.
Tom Piper... That was also re-checked this morning using the long socket extension to the ear. The tensioner is normal. So is the A/C compressor. Nice and quiet on that side.
87 Vette... I haven't put the extension to the w/pump yet, but I will in a while when I check it again. BTW, the pully on the w/pump shows no sign of abnormal movement.
madmatt9471...I think I'm gonna stop and get a stethoscope if Harbor freight has here at our local store.
For now, I think 88BlackZ-51 is right. Rick, if you're correct you'll win
grand prize!
This morning Iwas idling in traffic, A/C was "off" and also tried "ECON"
and the volt meter was right on 12.2. It would immediately go up if I gassed it. I came home and tried to further isolate the alternator by
releasing the top aluminum bracket. Listened to both the smog pump and the alt., and I'm starting to go with the alternator as the culprit.
I was able to get the extension to the P/S pump, it had minimal sound, making me think the sound at the p/s pump was being transmitted to it thru the belt and other associated mounts.
Tom Piper... That was also re-checked this morning using the long socket extension to the ear. The tensioner is normal. So is the A/C compressor. Nice and quiet on that side.
87 Vette... I haven't put the extension to the w/pump yet, but I will in a while when I check it again. BTW, the pully on the w/pump shows no sign of abnormal movement.
madmatt9471...I think I'm gonna stop and get a stethoscope if Harbor freight has here at our local store.
For now, I think 88BlackZ-51 is right. Rick, if you're correct you'll win
grand prize!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,361
Likes: 2,281
From: Central Maryland
PS pump bearings rarely whine. It's probably the alternator. Try using a length of heater or fuel hose as a stethoscope, rather than a long rod. Sometimes this helps to filter out some of the noise that is conducted through bracketry, etc from a component with a noisy bearing to one with quiet bearings. Get one end of the hose as close to (but not actually touching) the component housing near each bearing, and listen for noises.
Be well,
SJW
Be well,
SJW
Last edited by SJW; Jul 11, 2006 at 02:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Further Condemnation
Since my last post, I went to work and back. While at a light the voltage read 11.5 and was having a hard time getting much over 12.2.
Alot of fun to drive using the wipers, "when able," instead of, "as needed."
So for now the Alternator is under suspicion as the problem.
Rick, I've been on and off MSN but our schedules don't match. This shift I'm on stinks. As for your Prize, I had to think really hard to come up with something I thot you might like. Here it is.....
A FUNFILLED WEEKEND IN CANADA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT'S RIGHT, YOOUU AND A LUCKY COMPANION WILL CHOOSE YOUR OWN DESTINATION AND GO THERE. UPON ARRIVING, YOU'LL SEE WHAT YOU WANT AND EAT WHERE YOU WANT ALL THE WHILE ENJOYING THE WARM CANADIAN SUMMER DAYS AND COOL CRISP EVENINGS. STAY AS LONG AS YOU LIKE! LEAVE WHEN YOU WISH!*
Boy, when I hand out a prize, I don't fool around, now do I?
*Transportation, Meals, lodging, and gratuities not included in prize
Alot of fun to drive using the wipers, "when able," instead of, "as needed."
So for now the Alternator is under suspicion as the problem.
Rick, I've been on and off MSN but our schedules don't match. This shift I'm on stinks. As for your Prize, I had to think really hard to come up with something I thot you might like. Here it is.....
A FUNFILLED WEEKEND IN CANADA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT'S RIGHT, YOOUU AND A LUCKY COMPANION WILL CHOOSE YOUR OWN DESTINATION AND GO THERE. UPON ARRIVING, YOU'LL SEE WHAT YOU WANT AND EAT WHERE YOU WANT ALL THE WHILE ENJOYING THE WARM CANADIAN SUMMER DAYS AND COOL CRISP EVENINGS. STAY AS LONG AS YOU LIKE! LEAVE WHEN YOU WISH!*
Boy, when I hand out a prize, I don't fool around, now do I?
*Transportation, Meals, lodging, and gratuities not included in prize
Last edited by Yguy; Jul 12, 2006 at 12:04 AM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
Originally Posted by corvette_bob
Since my last post, I went to work and back. While at a light the voltage read 11.5 and was having a hard time getting much over 12.2.
Alot of fun to drive using the wipers, "when able," instead of, "as needed."
So for now the Alternator is under suspicion as the problem.
Rick, I've been on and off MSN but our schedules don't match. This shift I'm on stinks. As for your Prize, I had to think really hard to come up with something I thot you might like. Here it is.....
A FUNFILLED WEEKEND IN CANADA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT'S RIGHT, YOOUU AND A LUCKY COMPANION WILL CHOOSE YOUR OWN DESTINATION AND GO THERE. UPON ARRIVING, YOU'LL SEE WHAT YOU WANT AND EAT WHERE YOU WANT ALL THE WHILE ENJOYING THE WARM CANADIAN SUMMER DAYS AND COOL CRISP EVENINGS. STAY AS LONG AS YOU LIKE! LEAVE WHEN YOU WISH!*
Boy, when I hand out a prize, I don't fool around, now do I?
*Transportation, Meals, lodging, and gratuities not included in prize
Alot of fun to drive using the wipers, "when able," instead of, "as needed."
So for now the Alternator is under suspicion as the problem.
Rick, I've been on and off MSN but our schedules don't match. This shift I'm on stinks. As for your Prize, I had to think really hard to come up with something I thot you might like. Here it is.....
A FUNFILLED WEEKEND IN CANADA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT'S RIGHT, YOOUU AND A LUCKY COMPANION WILL CHOOSE YOUR OWN DESTINATION AND GO THERE. UPON ARRIVING, YOU'LL SEE WHAT YOU WANT AND EAT WHERE YOU WANT ALL THE WHILE ENJOYING THE WARM CANADIAN SUMMER DAYS AND COOL CRISP EVENINGS. STAY AS LONG AS YOU LIKE! LEAVE WHEN YOU WISH!*
Boy, when I hand out a prize, I don't fool around, now do I?
*Transportation, Meals, lodging, and gratuities not included in prize
lol!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
I just knew you'd like the prize Rick.
As for me, I'm gonna be outta touch for a few days. A HUGE job came in at work, and it's one of those "no tomorrorow" things. To top it off, we're a couple of men down (vacation). I've got a burn-out weekend coming up.
My baby is gonna have to sit for now.
I'll be able to get back on when it's over in a few days.
As for me, I'm gonna be outta touch for a few days. A HUGE job came in at work, and it's one of those "no tomorrorow" things. To top it off, we're a couple of men down (vacation). I've got a burn-out weekend coming up.
My baby is gonna have to sit for now.
I'll be able to get back on when it's over in a few days.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
Originally Posted by corvette_bob
I just knew you'd like the prize Rick.
As for me, I'm gonna be outta touch for a few days. A HUGE job came in at work, and it's one of those "no tomorrorow" things. To top it off, we're a couple of men down (vacation). I've got a burn-out weekend coming up.
My baby is gonna have to sit for now.
I'll be able to get back on when it's over in a few days.
As for me, I'm gonna be outta touch for a few days. A HUGE job came in at work, and it's one of those "no tomorrorow" things. To top it off, we're a couple of men down (vacation). I've got a burn-out weekend coming up.
My baby is gonna have to sit for now.
I'll be able to get back on when it's over in a few days.
bobby boy. jump on msn.