engine whistle-y noise sounds like a triumph

[sr.944man]

I'd guess you could start and run it (briefly) with the alternator belt off - that would confirm or otherwise that component as responsible... Also, could it be a vacuum line leak?

 

[GPF]

How soon after the belts were done did it start? Could be one of them is a bit tight.

 

[chrisg]

Graham has beaten me to it ! My thought would be overnight belts or normal tension belts running on suspect bearing or roller. Try running without the alternator connected as suggested and see if that makes any difference. Might also be PAS pump or belt again an easy job to check. Don't forget I you've just had the waterpumpnand belts done both. Alternate and PAS belts will have been off in the process. Chris

 

[pengers]

Hi all, the best description I can give is that the motor ('89 turbo 117k) sounds like a Triumph speed/street triple i.e. mid-pitched whistle which only comes on after its warmed up and is very obvious above the idle noise up to about 2300rpm when engine noise drowns it out.

..I'm thinking alternator bearing or maybe turbo bearing? Any ideas please? I've checked through posts and seems like alternator bearing may be the answer - how would I check it please?

And is it a case of do not drive, fix now, or good for a few hunjy yet? Had new water pump, belts + rollers recently so it's (hopefully) not that.

Thanks for help.

 

[pengers]

Thanks for prompt responses guys, will have a belt check..

 

[pengers]

So, Alt + A/C belt off (finally), and squeak disappeared..I have adjusted the tension to just on slipping point but squeak is as bad as ever. Therefore I assume it must be a problem with the bearings - but on what, the Alternator or the A/C compressor? Any smart ideas please? The A/C works so don't want to ditch it. Cheers, Mike.

 

[eddieedmo]

It could just be the belt making a noise , try putting some talc on the belt when it is running and see if it disappears. Try " the tube in the ear " to try and pinpoint it. Nick

 

[924nutter]

With the belts still off wind several turns of cord backwards onto the alternator pulley, and give it a heave to spin the alternator up to a fair speed. If there is still no squeak then suspect the A/C pump. If there is a squeak then you have your answer.

 

[pengers]

Had alternator re-built - locally by small specialist in southfields, surely not too many of these places left any more, he was calling all new cars disposable!! - and now re-installed - has solved the issue, thanks all.