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Hey fellow Brickheads,
I have a 1990 Volvo 245 with a 5 speed manual. It's very stock, except a powered aftermarket subwoofer I recently installed. It's not a big one, about 80 watts. However, just recently my alternator started making a loud humming noise. Sounds like a well tuned tractor. Also, possibly unrelated my idle is a bit higher than usual. I know the unusual noise is coming from the alternator.
Now, my question is, Is the noise because of the load being put on the alternator from the sub, and it's about to take a dump?.... Also, would upgrading the size or capacity of the alternator help? Could simply replacing the alternator with the OG specs help? Is there something else I'm not considering?
Thanks in advance,
bork(3)
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So, I don't want to say replacing my alternator and battery solved all of my problems, but it seems like, at least 50% of them, and about 25% I didn't know I had. LOL The other 25% is for unrelated problems like suspension and whatnot.
But, my blower motor isn't a slow. loud whining old man anymore, it sounds brand new!
Also, it has more power in general, better shifting and all around proper performance. I had no idea the battery was that bad. Or would matter that much. It must have started frying the alternator once I put the subwoofer in. All the electrics and electronics seem to have liked my $300 upgrade. Feels like a $1200 upgrade.
Seriously though..
I noticed a drop in performance lately, a higher idle, and once I put that sub in, I just chalked it up to an 'old Volvo.' But, the loud noise caught my attention. It sounded like a whizzing or whirling that would respond to the RPM's. Like, it would get louder when I pushed on the accelerator. When I pushed in the clutch, and was coasting, the noise would stop.
Only reason I went with a NAPA alternator was the close proximity to my house, and about 1/2 the price of a Bosch. A lifetime limited warranty is good enough for me, it's an old car, and unless NAPA goes out of business, I'm set. I think their quality is way better than they used to be, and a lot better than most big box stores. (I don't work for NAPA, BTW LOL) and really, I didn't want to struggle sending back a core to FCP or eEuro at my expense.
Well, time for a road trip!
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Hi,
You are putting a lot of good things happening with the replacement of that alternator and battery.
I can see some of that being helpful but some of it a bit unbelievable.
But now, since you threw in the part about installing the subwoofer and a nice loud audio system it is better!
I will have to say you may have entertained us with thoughts of you entering the “Twlight Zone.” (:-)
While in there ... I think maybe you have also met up with a rerun of Tom and Ray of the Car Talk Show.
They always said, if you are hearing things about the car just “turn up the radio and they will go away.” (:-)
I hope I have as good of luck with changing out the motor oil out of my recently acquired manual 5 speed in my 1993. I put in some Fuch’s synthetic Volvo spec. gear oil.
Im hoping it gets into creating smoother shifting of those sliding hubs containing the second and fourth gear synchronizers.
The audio system works good in this car but I think a thick pair of driving gloves might help with losing the slightly stiff feel in the shifter.
Guess I will be screwed during the summer months though? (:-)
Phil
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Sure, it’s helped a lot. Honestly, it runs smoother and every crack-pot claim I made is pretty much true, all except the blower motor is still loud. I may have gotten over excited and jumped the gun on that one, but all in all I’m still amazed how much it helped.
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So, that definitely was the noise! I replaced the alternator with a NAPA rebuilt. It's got a lifetime limited warranty, and that's good enough for me. And while I was at it, changed out the battery with a Ever Start Maxx T5 from Wally World. The battery was long overdue. About 8 years old and leaking. Now, it starts right up, and it's way quieter. Only one slight problem, and that's the dash warning lights... I'll post a new one for that question.
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1990 740 Turbo has a 100 amp alternator - your car may have an 80 amp.
On out 740 the tag is on the bottom of the alternator and can be read with a mirror.
When our 744 had its alternator seize at 215K, I got a 100 amp alternator with 90K on it for $30 - it was cheap because of supply and demand - the alternators hold up real well.
It was a very simple replacement.
Interestingly, our '88 745 lost its alternator at 215K also.
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whenthe engine is cold tae the belt offthe alternator & run the engine for a minute & shut t down & see if the screechis gone,,
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Ok, yeah it's like a high pitch mechanical squeal. Or buzzing. Gets a bit louder with RPMs..
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Hi,
It seems you have nailed the sound down to the alternator. Bad belts or maladjusted ones are likely.
It's must bet the belts or the bearings or both, if the bearings or running dry and tight.
Take the belts off and run the engine to confirm.
If the pulley does not turn freely and smooth you hit the jack pot.
If it does turn smooth then the squeal could be caused by excessive current output from the alternator. This is rare but it can happen if the regulator or the load circuit, has gone awry.
If this is happening, you are not long from replacing the alternator. You must find where the current is going or its cause!
Phil
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posted by
someone claiming to be CB
on
Thu Mar 15 18:21 CST 2018 [ RELATED]
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FYI
This is also a little discussed a problem with these ALTs. I only know about this since it happened to me.
The Rear Bearing has a plastic cup that centers the bearing in the rear casing(that buldge).
This plastic can crack/fail resulting in the Armature wobbling, because the rear bearing is not held in position.
Rebuilderes do not necessarily put a new one of these in the alt.
https://www.aspwholesale.com/index.php?seo_path=tolerance-ring-bo-p2114
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I have a feeling that's what it is. I suppose I can take the belt off, and do all that testing. I may just have to get a reman Bosch from NAPA. At least taking back the core would be easier and cheaper. Maybe I'll replace the belts while I'm at it?
I don't feel that a bigger alternator from a 740 is really necessary. A new battery might be? One thing at a time, I guess.
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Your stock 80-Amp unit is plenty strong enough to power what is really a pretty simple electric system. If you can have the car out of service long enough to get it rebuilt at a local rebuilder, you'll probably get a better quality job than the stuff from your FLAPS*. Otherwise make sure you keep the receipt...plenty of stories about auto parts store rebuilds cratering at a young age.
Some FLAPS will test your battery with a load tester - or let you go into their parking lot with it to DIY. This is pretty well the definitive test of a battery's fitness.
Good advice to remove belts and run the engine for a few seconds. Then if the squealing noise is gone, you can spin the water pump, alternator and PS pump and check for roughness and noise. That leaves the AC compressor and since it takes a bit of power to spin, you're limited to trying to wobble its clutch assembly to see if it has play.
I got one of those mechanic's stethoscopes for a few dollars and it has been a big help in chasing down odd noises without getting your ears or hands too close to rotating stuff.
* Friendly Local Auto Parts Store.
--
Son's XC70, my 83 244DL, 89 745 (Chev LT-1 V8), and XC60. Also '77 MGB and four old motorcycles. Long gone: 1981 244, 1994 940 and 1998 S90.
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I needed my alternator rebuilt back in 2001,,I wanted to spend locally,Easton,Pa,,& the shop refused to give me price beforehand.I couldve gotten 1 at Napa for $120..They charged $160,,,!!! Screw the local shops,,,there arent thaat many parts that would justify such a price..I shouldve said KEEPIT!!
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posted by
someone claiming to be CB
on
Thu Mar 15 18:50 CST 2018 [ RELATED]
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Keep the "CORE"
min rebuild kit---does not include new slip rings.
$38
https://www.aspwholesale.com/alternator-rebuild-kits/bosch/internally-regulated/repair-kit-p13961.html
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