Alternator rattle

[cobrapete]

Alternator rattle at various seeds. Using 40mm Gilmer in a 3 pulley system on 302 Windsor with clockwise water pump. Have setup the alignment to within 1 or 2 degrees in both vertical horizontal plans, a times I can see the alternator fan wobble. I can not feel any movement in the alternator bearing and it spins well. it is a new Bosh unit. I have used a genuine cast bracket on the head that puts the pivot between the two head fittings that lines up with the front bracket normally used on a Cleveland.

[Atomsk]

I had the same thing happen to a supposedly new alternator once. Turns out the front bearing was in the process of eating itself all along. I wound up replacing the bearing myself, it only took an hour.

Call around, you should be able to find a replacemnt bearing for a decant price.

[Rick Parker]

Sometimes the fan will begin to rub on the alternator housing if it is not sandwiched tight enough between the pully and spacer. Check the tightness of this with a box end wrench and a hex wrench or hex socket (best). Otherwise as mentioned check the front bearing.

You mentioned Gilmer belt, do you mean "toothed" belt ? If so, the pulleys need to be aligned perfectly or there will be l harmonics transmited by irregular tooth engagement.


Rick