Z3 1.9 sudden engine whine noise.

[brittas]

I suddenly have this higher pitch engine whine after a week of none use. Any ideas??

 

[Rudyrov]

Most likely one of those spinning gadgets in the engine accessory drive. Could be alternator bearings, tensioner bearings etc. Pull the belts and see that the noise is gone or using a mechanics stethoscope carefully probe for the noise.

 

[t-tony]

One thing you can also try is load up the alternator by turning on headlights, heater blower etc. to make the Alt. work harder you may notice an increase in the loudness otherwise do as Rudy suggests.

Tony.

 

[brittas]

So not too costly then. Thought it was more likely to be bearing/tensioner related.

 

[t-tony]

So not too costly then. Thought it was more likely to be bearing/tensioner related.

Could still be and a belt tensioner will be less expensive than an Alternator I would imagine.

Tony.

 

[Mazza]

Try a squirt of WD40 to see if the noise stops. Try tensioner first, then Idler ( if fitted)
If no change then check water pump, alternator and power steering pump as Rudyrov suggested.
If you have a piece of 15mm copper pipe thats long enough. You can use it as a simple stethoscope. But dont get it caught in the engine !!!!!

 

[t-tony]

In my humble opinion it sounds too high pitched to be any of the belt pulley bearings so I'm plumping for Alternator bearings, but happy to be proved wrong.

Tony.

 

[gookah]

Sounds like alternator to me

Take the belt off and try it see if the noise goes away, then it is something that the belt is driving.

 

[brittas]

I can smell slight burnt electric smell around alternator. I agree it is new alternator time.

 

[brittas]

Is there a good guide on how to swap alternator on an early 1.9L?

 

[Mazza]

This is from Bentleys, if its any help

If you need any more info, just ask

 

[t-tony]

Just remember to remove the earth lead from the battery (and be sure it can't accidentally re connect) and the rest is straight forward nuts and bolts.

Tony.

 

[brittas]

Great I will tackle that myself.

 

[t-tony]

Be sure to take a picture of the serpentine belt routing so you get it right on refitting. You need to press on the tensioner with a tool of some sort to relieve the tension on the belt. That is the only tricky bit if you're not used to it.

Tony.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Is this anything like a Zs set-up?

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a__cNSy-oc

 

[t-tony]

Yep, exactly like that Mick.

Tony.

 

[brittas]

Thanks guys alternator is out now. Not too tricky. Hopefully cheap aftermarket one will go in no problem when it arrives.

 

[MartinJ]

I am thinking of replacing Rusty's accessory belts over the next few weeks, possibly on the bank holiday weekend. Apart from the trail above, are there any bearings that have to be replaced when you replace the accessory belts? Is there any good advice or videos out there including the above. My Haynes manual is very brief on the matter. Has a wonderful drawing but not a lot of explanation. thanks

 

[t-tony]

Which engine does your car have Martin?

Tony.

 

[MartinJ]

Tony , year is 1997 on a 'S' plate with a 1.9 140 bhp engine.

Martin