Engine Whine

[boostn0199]

Hi, I have been getting the engine whine like described in other posts bt mine only starts while the headlights are on other than that there is no whine. anyone have any ideas?

[DECIM8]

alternator belt.

[GeeTR]

Lights need power, alternators make power...

Use a screw driver to ear on the alternator and to be sure.

[Godzilla32]

The belt wont make a whine it'll be more of a squeal. The extra load on the alternator with the lights on could cause the bearings in it to load up that bit more and become noisy. To rule out a belt noise first check the tension of the belt to make sure its not loose. You should be able to turn the belt 90 degrees, but no more. Check that on its longest section between pulleys. If its tight, load up the alternator with the lights on, high beams if you want to really push it and drip some water ontot he belt while its noisey. If it goes away then its just the belt if not then its the alternator itself. If it is the belt check the condition of it and replace it if necessary.

[samuri]

My local mechanic said the whining noise I now have is the alternator but not to worry about it.

Its been around for a year.

I cant hear it when i drive but I am assuming its still there but covered by the ther road noises.

There is Only 1 mechanic in town.He has a good reputation.hIS EXPLANTION " sometimes as they get older they make these sounds"

I wouldnt have thought so, but the mechanic has no interest in taking my money, so have deferred to him.

Does noise necessarily mean their must be a problem?

Is it possible the belt could be dry and if so is that something to be concerned about? I have heard spraying tyre cleaner onto the belt willl help the belt. Is that right?

There are no Nissan dealers near. what part number do I need as I will be driving for 3 days non stop( apart from sleep)

if I need a spare alternator belt

R33 4 door skyline non turbo GTS 2.5 litre. 1996 model

thanks

Edited November 29, 2010 by samuri

[mosquitocoils]

Should be able to go to supercheap/autobarn/repco and get the belt from there

Or burson

[Carbon 34]

normally means the battery is low on power, and the alternator needs to make more to support it.

clean your battery terminals first with a battery brush and baking soda and water mixed to a paste if corroded(do not get into wet cell battery holes or it will kill it), and make sure your grounds are tight, a ground run to the mounting bolt on the alternator improves the condition and idle

8ga or 4ga is ok

test the voltage engine off 12v-13v is fine

then on 12.5-14.4 is fine

now add lights on, does it fall a lot ? or hover around 13v ?

if it goes below 12v you need to have it looked at, if you still have the little jap battery it's most likley dying

if the whine doesn't improve then expect the failure of the alternator down the track. , could be the bearing/bushing in it from a too tight fan belt

or just old age.

(assuming the fan belt is in good nick still and not too tight )too loose they howl like your standing on a cats tail..lol

[Carbon 34]

My local mechanic said the whining noise I now have is the alternator but not to worry about it.

Its been around for a year.

I cant hear it when i drive but I am assuming its still there but covered by the ther road noises.

There is Only 1 mechanic in town.He has a good reputation.hIS EXPLANTION " sometimes as they get older they make these sounds"

I wouldnt have thought so, but the mechanic has no interest in taking my money, so have deferred to him.

Does noise necessarily mean their must be a problem?

Is it possible the belt could be dry and if so is that something to be concerned about? I have heard spraying tyre cleaner onto the belt willl help the belt. Is that right? NO !! USE BELT DRESSING SPRAY

There are no Nissan dealers near. what part number do I need as I will be driving for 3 days non stop( apart from sleep)

if I need a spare alternator belt

R33 4 door skyline non turbo GTS 2.5 litre. 1996 model

thanks