alt or compressor whine?

[Keith Lawyer]

I've used a dowel before (that's on old school and effective trick
everyone's dad passes on to them I think) but my mech's stethoscope
seems a safer and more effective option IME...  this indicated the sound
was far more pronounced at the alt and compressor.  PS pump seemed
perfectly quiet as did the valve cover, block and timing belt cover.

I realize here it seems I've answered my own question but I just
figured this might be a common thing on these vehicles and other may
have BTDT.  I guess what I really want to hear is that it's likely the
alt because the a/c blows cold (still R12 I'm sure), and I don't want to
open the system unless absolutely necessary.

Keith L

>>> "Bernard Littau" <bernardl at acumenassociates.com> 07/22/02 04:33PM
>>>
Hi Keith,

Yes, I've had mine whine but not leak.  I think I made the belt too
tight,
so the seal was fine, but the bearing was making noise.

I posted a few days ago about using a 3 foot dowel (3/8" or so) as a
sound
localizing device.  I used this technique when my water pump went bad.
Use
the dowel on the alt, ps, a/c and wp, and listen for who is making the
noise
in the most pronounced manner.  Put the dowel on the item, then move
your
ear to the dowel -- keep the dowel pointing away from your ear and head
:-)
Be careful!

Best,

Bernard Littau
Woodinville, WA
'88 5ktq