Whining sound after startup...

[Vianda]

My 1990 Petrol T25 1.9 Automatic has started to develop an unusual whining sound just after starting her up. It sounds rather like something 'spooling up' and seems to be coming from the general direction of the engine/gearbox bay but I can't place it exactly. After a few minutes warming up the sound disappears. Fan belt is OK, the Transmission Oil level is up to the mark and I have had no problems with selecting drive etc but why oh why do I have a sneaky suspicion that this could turn out to be expensive? Has anyone else come across this before?

[kevtherev]

That might be the Alternator replacing the power you have used in starting up.

suggestion... check the rectifier bushes in the alternator.
They cost around £15 to replace.

see here for the part..... http://www.woodauto.com/Component.aspx?Ref=VRG4641" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Vianda]

Hello again my friend! Now why didn't I think of the Alternator?? That actually makes a lot of sense because the noise always takes longer to subside when the Van has been stood for a while - whereas it virtually disappears when the battery is fully charged (e.g. pottering around Town). And there was me thinking gearbox!! Can I ask Kev ... Are you a natural-born genius or did you go to Night School? lol.
Cheers mate,
David.

[kevtherev]

aaaw shucks...

[CovKid]

Its that Midlands approach to things possibly

[Vianda]

Ay up.... steady on Marra, Ah darn't reelly care fromp wher tha gits tha knowledge - all'st I do know is that I don't wanna be lookin at a 3d exploded diagram of ma gearbox across 3 lanes of the M6 when me and SWMBO are off on our hols!

If you really want to offer something sensible... ?

[Vianda]

Hi again Kev ...

Doom and Gloom time I'm afraid. The Alternator is ok. As per the original post ... why do I get the feeling that this could turn out to be expensive. It is definitely something to do with the gearbox. Any offers?

That said; Do YOU know, or does anyone else on here know a reputable AutoBox Surgeon?

[kevtherev]

OK well the only other thing I could suspect is the trans. oil pump.
I'll do some home work and get back

does the noise rise and fall with the engine before it disappears?

[kevtherev]

well had some consultations with a great auto box guru.

he suggests:-

It could very well be the pump howling from fluid starvation.

If the filter screen is plugged up, the van is being used, the pump is possibly on the way out.

And it's telling you so---

Change the fluid & the filter and see if it quiets down temporarily