alternator noise on my '72 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

traie88 · 04-12-2003, 09:34 AM

I had an older three-wire alternator on my '72 longbox and it started making a "clicking" or "ticking" noise. I figured the bearings were shot, so I replaced it with a similar rebuilt Delco-Remy three-wire, wired it through the external voltage regulator and all that, but the new one makes the same type noise. The noise does speed up in association with acceleration, but seems to quiet down while coasting or not accelerating. It's got to be either the way both alternators were wired up, or something beyond me!!! I don't know....

Can anyone help?

Gordo · 04-12-2003, 10:31 AM

It may be your belt is glazed. Try this first before you spend any money. When it's making the noise, shut engine off and rub a bar of soap along both sides of the belt then start it back up, if the noise temperarily goes away, replace the belt. I find that if a few drops of anti-freeze gets on the belt and pulleys it will start making that clicking, crackel noise and nothing you do will stop it without replacing the belt. With a little luck that may be all your problem is.

traie88 · 04-12-2003, 03:31 PM

Thanks, Gordo...I went home on my lunch break and tried the soap. So far (knock on wood) I haven't noticed the clicking as being as loud as it was, but we'll see when I leave work. Thanks for the tip!

04-12-2003, 09:34 AM	#1
traie88 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 5	alternator noise on my '72 I had an older three-wire alternator on my '72 longbox and it started making a "clicking" or "ticking" noise. I figured the bearings were shot, so I replaced it with a similar rebuilt Delco-Remy three-wire, wired it through the external voltage regulator and all that, but the new one makes the same type noise. The noise does speed up in association with acceleration, but seems to quiet down while coasting or not accelerating. It's got to be either the way both alternators were wired up, or something beyond me!!! I don't know.... Can anyone help?

04-12-2003, 10:31 AM	#2
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	It may be your belt is glazed. Try this first before you spend any money. When it's making the noise, shut engine off and rub a bar of soap along both sides of the belt then start it back up, if the noise temperarily goes away, replace the belt. I find that if a few drops of anti-freeze gets on the belt and pulleys it will start making that clicking, crackel noise and nothing you do will stop it without replacing the belt. With a little luck that may be all your problem is. __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

04-12-2003, 03:31 PM	#3
traie88 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 5	Thanks, Gordo...I went home on my lunch break and tried the soap. So far (knock on wood) I haven't noticed the clicking as being as loud as it was, but we'll see when I leave work. Thanks for the tip!



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