alternator/battery issue

[kvxxy]

Hi everyone, been a while since I've posted but I've not used the car much. So recently I've had a lot of work done on the car, including replacing downpipes, cam belt, new belts and tensioners, water pump, thermostat, coolant leak repair and light range senses replaced. This was all done at a reputable specialist and it cost a small fortune! But now the car has developed a charging issue. I was driving at around 60mph and the stereo cut out then came back on again. I got to work fine but on the way back I noticed the battery voltage was dropping then charging back up again. I sort of got fed up with the car and left it for a few days. I finally started it up and again and the issue was still there, the voltage goes up to 14v then the idle drops and the voltage drops, then there's a faint whistling sound and the voltage goes back up to 14v and it continues to do that. I have had there alternator 'refurbished' in the past but I'm questioning it now. the battery is a varta silver line and is a year old. The specialist had the car for 2 months so it was unused for a while. Can anyone offer any advice? Should I take the alternator off and get it checked? What checks can I do while the alternator is on the car?

Thanks for any help.

[Shoppinit]

Almost sounds like the belt is slipping. Could explain the whistling sound. Or maybe it's a discrete component in the regulator that's outgassing.

Actually, don't these alternators have some kind of clutch on the shaft? Maybe that's failing. Either way, I would plan on a new alternator.

Rule 42 confirmed.

[srichards]

I'd probably start with just charging the battery itself with a ctek conditioner. See if that shows up an issue with the battery. Also check the battery clamps are on properly as one of those loose can cause all sorts of mayhem.

Whistling isn't a good sign though.If the regulator is hosed then when you rev the car higher the output increases and that can ruin components so it needs to be checked.

[kvxxy]

Thanks guys! It's just so difficult to check the belts on this car! Its the idle dropping that's strange, is that beaches the voltage is dropping? I'll check the voltage with a multimeter to make sure it's not over charging. I also need to check if these alternators come with clutches.

[Shoppinit]

If the clutch is failing and seizing then that could be braking the auxiliary belt which could make the idle dip until the engine compensated. If this is the case then sooner or later, the belt is going to fail.

srichards is right, check the basics, including the condition of the 200A fuse.

[kvxxy]

that does make sense, my dad and me will check everything tomorrow.

Thanks for all the help so far!

[Shoppinit]

Rockauto have got a Bosch Reman alternator for a reasonable price, delivered inc duty.

[kvxxy]

from the states? I've just checked, seems reasonable, just dep[ends on delivery time. The reason I've had all this work done is to sell the car due to finishing my degree and unfortunately health issues means I gotta stop driving. I could have sold the car as is but just couldn't sell it with issues, need to keep these cars on the road.

[Shoppinit]

Yeah, I’ve bought alternators and ac compressors from Rockauto. No probs at all. Comes very quickly with FedEx standard.

So many questions. What degree? What health issues?

/definitely only use FedEx with Rockauto

[kvxxy]

Hmm I’ll have a think about rockauto only worried in case of having to return it.

Haha and the last answers are, degree is physics with open university (can’t recommend them enough) hoping to work in quantum computing. And health issue is to do with my vision. This car was my achievable dream car. It’s been fun! But I’ll be driving again in the future I’m sure.

[Shoppinit]

Quantum computing is going to be massive. I can feel it.

Bummer about the vision problem though.

Yeah, that’s the risk you take with Rockauto. It’s half the price though.