Monday, July 21, 2014 - 10:58 am, by: Neville Smith(Arawa)
New noise, came on suddenly, happens whether engine is hot or cold, varies with revs. There's a bit of a grumble from some of the serpentine belt pulleys but the whine is a different sound. Fluid levels are normal and it's not the suspension compressor. Timing belt etc was done within the last year. Any ideas before I take it to the local mechanic?
Monday, July 21, 2014 - 09:41 pm, by: Robert Day(Lexsmaz)
Take the serpentine belt off & run it then to see if the noise has gone & obviously if it has gone its in one of the Ancillaries & if still there could be the water pump or idler pulleys for the cam belt ..
Tuesday, August 12, 2014 - 12:28 pm, by: Neville Smith(Arawa)
Aha, back again. Further symptoms have developed - 'battery not charging' Klingon plus cat warning light, but only intermittently, usually under heavy acceleration. I figure this is probably the rectifier diode problem you diagnosed, Tom. Radio whine on distant stations too. Alternator is out of the car now so looking for a p/n for the rectifier assy. Although, the alternator does charge at 14+ volts, dropping to 12.8 or so after a while. Seems inconsistent with a diode problem when I think about it.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014 - 09:36 am, by: Neville Smith(Arawa)
Well, definitely a diode problem. The rectifier recommended by David is shown as Not Compatible in his own website, so waiting on a further response from him on that. Have identified what looks like the right rectifier assy from Denso, but it has 8 diodes whereas the original has only 6, although the mounting plate is set up to take 8. Anyone want to give me an opinion of the risk in putting an 8 diode unit in?
Wednesday, August 13, 2014 - 09:59 am, by: Tom Richards(Tomr)
the correct rectifier unit was not listed on the web site when i purchased one in mid 2013. David is very familar with the alternators and told me what pn i needed. ~$70 delivered, works great no issues, easy to change. I would trust david to supply the correct part from the info you give him, V8 soarer, denso alternator, 199?.
Sunday, August 17, 2014 - 08:38 pm, by: Neville Smith(Arawa)
Tom, new diode block fitted and all is good. I'm pretty impressed with such an accurate diagnosis based on minimal symptoms - did the same thing happen to you?
Sunday, August 17, 2014 - 08:51 pm, by: Tom Richards(Tomr)
hi neville, i had the whine in the radio that was in sync with revs. made an "educated" guess that 1 phase was missing in the alternator. New diode assy fault fixed. Happy I could point you in the right direction. Thks for the feedback.