7 replies to this topic

[benjwildeboer]

I drove my mayfair in the pouring rain the other day, and it developed a couple of problems.

Firstly, it started misfiring on anything more than about 1/4 throttle. This made the journey home a bit interesting, hills were fun lol!

Unfortunately it didn't have the plastic engine cover for the front (I've since fitted one and after I left it to dry out a bit the problems hasn't come back).

However, another problem that developed was/is what I thought was just the fanbelt slipping. It started squealing a bit in certain RPM ranges but instead of stopping once given a chance to dry out, it seems to have just got worse and worse and worse. I don't think it's the fanbelt slipping anymore, as it sounds a bit more intense than that. I'm thinking perhaps the alternator?

I've tried putting the alternator as far out as possible but there's still a bit of slack on the belt. It still seems to be charging the car though despite this horribloe noise.

The noise starts from around 2500/3000 rpm so as you can imagine is there pretty much all the time. It seems to get louder as the revs build.

I'm thinking it might be the alternator? I might have a spare lying around so might try and swap them out to see if that gets rid of it.

Anybody else got any bright ideas? It's making me reluctant to drive the mini lol.

Cheers
Ben

[Guess-Works.com]

You may have a dry bearing ( or the water pump on the way out ), however for the cost of a new fan belt, I'd replace it...

[Pooky]

If you suspect a component bearing (either in the alternator or water pump). Hold the tip of a long screwdriver against the component while the engine's running and put your ear to the other end. The sounds will travel up the screwdriver and be very clear and you'll be able to discern which component is faulty. Don't get too close to the alt. fan though!

[benjwildeboer]

You may have a dry bearing ( or the water pump on the way out ), however for the cost of a new fan belt, I'd replace it...

If you suspect a component bearing (either in the alternator or water pump). Hold the tip of a long screwdriver against the component while the engine's running and put your ear to the other end. The sounds will travel up the screwdriver and be very clear and you'll be able to discern which component is faulty. Don't get too close to the alt. fan though!

Thanks guys, I'll try and have a look tonight. I hope it's the alternator or something as I don't fancy changing the water pump!

The noise only seems to really occur when the engine is under load though I think? I'll have a proper look tonight.

Cheers
Ben

Edited by benjwildeboer, 01 October 2010 - 09:34 AM.

[ado15]

Slacken off the alternator and feel for bearing play in the pulley. Sometimes, the alternator fan can touch the casing when the bearings are worn, giving a dreadful screeching noise. While the fan belt is slack, try wobbling the fan too. This will show up water pump bearing failure. If the pump bearings are on their way, it's often because the seal has failed and water is getting to the bearings. I take it you haven't seen any water loss?

[bmcecosse]

First step -remove the fan belt - is the squeal still there ? If not - check the alt and water pump for play/roughness - and fit a NEW belt!

[Nial]

If your water pump is as bad as mine was there will be quite a bit of play, grab the blades
of the fan and see if you can move them.

You'll have to get the bottom hose off the radiator to change it so start getting some
decent releasing fluid on the clamp _now_, and when you come to do it try to get
a socket on an extension on it rather than a screwdriver.


Nial.

[benjwildeboer]

well as there is pretty much a spare mini sat in the barn I decided to just whack a different alternator on. I got a brand new fanbelt and fitted the new alternator late Friday night.

Squeal has gone and its charging the battery properly again now. Bonzer!

Not sure weather it was the belt or the alternator but i don't really mind as its all sorted now haha.