HELP!! Alternator issue?

[redmk1]

Right what's the chances of someone near me having an alternator lyyou around that I could grab tomorrow??
Need to eliminate some issues without getting raped on parts
Thank you

[KarlBristol]

Right what's the chances of someone near me having an alternator lyyou around that I could grab tomorrow??
Need to eliminate some issues without getting raped on parts
Thank you

Where are you?

[redmk1]

West Sussex

[KarlBristol]

A bit too far for me to lend a hand I'm afraid
I couldn't make out from your first post but is the issue definitely the alternator or do you need one in order to establish if the current alternator is at fault?

If your not sure if the alternator is at fault the following tests might help:
Voltage check on the battery with the car off
Voltage check on the battery with the car running
Diode check on the alternator
Parasitic drain check on the battery

I think Halford's offer a full health check on the battery, alternator and associated bits and bobs. Might be worth a go...

If the alternator is definitely at fault then I think you'll struggle to get hold of one the same day, even buying brand new. Lexus wanted to make me wait for 3 weeks for mine for my MR2. Try GTS Chris or Peter for second hand units. This company does very very reasonably priced units and I have used them in the past (they provide next day delivery FOC):

http://alternator-startermotor.co.uk

[Peter Gidden]

Right what's the chances of someone near me having an alternator lyyou around that I could grab tomorrow??
Need to eliminate some issues without getting raped on parts
Thank you

Tell us the issues - we can probably help you.

There is a simple test or two you can do, but no point in posting details til I know they will help.

[redmk1]

In the mornings it starts first time ticks over then dies and won't re start.
If you sit there reving it turning lights on and off heater on and wipers on the voltmeter raises it runs fine but if it stalls while doing this again it won't re start.
If you hook up a jump pack it will run perfect all day.

[Peter Gidden]

In the mornings it starts first time ticks over then dies and won't re start.
If you sit there reving it turning lights on and off heater on and wipers on the voltmeter raises it runs fine but if it stalls while doing this again it won't re start.
If you hook up a jump pack it will run perfect all day.

OK, so first test. Start up, idling. What voltage at battery?

[redmk1]

Erm....off to halfords to buy a multimeter

[Peter Gidden]

Erm....off to halfords to buy a multimeter

Excellent first move.

[redmk1]

Didn't get one yet but now I have alternator squeal

[thomp1983]

If you've got a maplins local they'll be cheaper than halfords they used to do a basic £5 basic meter that will do most jobs

[Peter Gidden]

Didn't get one yet but now I have alternator squeal

Belt need tightening?

[Super_red]

If you've got a maplins local they'll be cheaper than halfords they used to do a basic £5 basic meter that will do most jobs

They also do one now for about £13 that can do frequency and duty cycles which is pretty impresive for that price. Comes with a clamp for the HT lead so it can do RPM aswell although trust Maplins to offer this now so many cars have coil on plugs where its useless!

[redmk1]

Didn't get one yet but now I have alternator squeal

[Ben]

Is there an echo in here?

[redmk1]

Bit strange

[Donato]

Didn't get one yet but now I have alternator squeal

Your belt will need adjusting so it's not slipping.

[redmk1]

It's an internal squeal not just a belt

[Peter Gidden]

It's an internal squeal not just a belt

FFS, this is like pulling teeth

OP, if you want useful help, you need to give us all the info you have, and not let it out in dribs and drabs every few days.

So, is the alternator charging?

Have you taken the belt off and tried turning by hand?

Have you tried taking belt off and started engine to prove alternator is source of squeel?

TBH, i suspect alternator bearing has gone, or its been standing a long time in the damp outside air.

If the problem is properly diagnosed you won't need to "try" fitting different parts, just replace the faulty part. Cheaper and quicker than guessing.

[redmk1]

Drips and drabs?
Sorry I have been busy...
I have given as much info as I can,the squeal came after the original post!