Club 80-90 Forums

I have had this from the 2.1 engine whilst coming off the accelerator for a while, now it seems to be at idle too. I have changed the fan belt and tensioned it up but still seems to be happening. I am guessing the alternator. anyone know what to look at? bearings or summat?

Slip the alt. belt off and run the engine to be sure. It could be your water pump. Turn the alt and pump by hand to see if theyre rotating freely. Dont run the engine for long without the belt.

An easy way to eliminate fan belt as culprit is to squirt water at it whilst it's squealing. Honestly, it will stop the squeal if it's the fan belt. Silicone spray, talc etc etc will also do it but water is easier and will dry out without leaving residue! Hope it's not too serious!

That doesnt account for bearings in the water pump or alternator though.

airhead wrote:That doesnt account for bearings in the water pump or alternator though.

No, it doesn't. But as it will take a couple of seconds to eliminate fan belt slippage as a possible source of squeal I reckon it's worth a try. Then go on to other things if necessary.

This is all very true!

Would the fan belt still slip even though I have changed it?

if the tension is wrong it will slip, what if you have some electrical drainage going on the alternator is really hard to turn whilst the engine is running?