Heavy rains yesterday here locally led to high waters around town which led to unavoidable water spray on my commute to work. Over 50% of the 10 mile commute water was consistently spraying over the hood. After sitting majority of the work day, truck fires up with unusual whine under hood, and alternator gauge reading lower than normal. Scan tool alternator test says charging is within spec. Truck drives normal other than unusual whine. Of course could be number of things but anyone experience similar issue with soaked alternator? Searched threads but nothing solid other than mud getting in there. Thoughts?
Alternator whine (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter CruiserFan88
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- #2
Pardon horrific spelling, using phone
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- #4
Absolutely could be, but I’m thinking no. Just put another 25 miles at 60 mph and not much change, wondering if anyone has had issues with wet alternator and if so symptoms?
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Also peculiar smell coming from engine bay
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- #7
Don’t think so, also doesn’t sound like the typical belt squeal. All PM/100k service parts up front Including belt have less than 25k on them or else I would chalk it up to belt. My persistence on alternator is because gauge needle is hovering below 14v where normally the width of the needle is usually split between 14v marking. Test came back good last night. Could very well be belt though, there was a lot of splashing going on for prolonged period of time but it hasn’t stranded me yet.
coincidentally could the power steering be going out? Steering seems fine for sure.
Anyone in Charlotte area knows we saw record flooding so I’d be surprised if it ends up not being water related.
Also figured the drive to the woods this morning on the highway would have dried the belt out but noise continued when idling at the parking spot. I’m curious to see what happens when I get down from the stand in another thirty or so.
coincidentally could the power steering be going out? Steering seems fine for sure.
Anyone in Charlotte area knows we saw record flooding so I’d be surprised if it ends up not being water related.
Also figured the drive to the woods this morning on the highway would have dried the belt out but noise continued when idling at the parking spot. I’m curious to see what happens when I get down from the stand in another thirty or so.
On a prior Toyota, the signs of a failing alternator for me were:
1. Sudden onset of whining noise that varied with RPM
2. Burning electrical smell under hood.
I'd be shopping for a new (reman) alternator if I were you.
1. Sudden onset of whining noise that varied with RPM
2. Burning electrical smell under hood.
I'd be shopping for a new (reman) alternator if I were you.
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- #9
Yea, that basically sums it up perfectly right there. I really appreciate the input.
I believe water intrusion has something to do with it as it was acting normal before yesterday's heavy rain/splashing.
Gauge reads one notch below 14V on drive to work just now, which for my truck is not normal. Always has been right at dead center with no issues. I will test again when I leave to see if the reading has changed, but I will say the noise has subsided some, but not all the way. Still very noticeable.
Will go ahead and have a new alternator express shipped. Looks to be about $300 w/out shipping.
2 questions:
1. Any chance that it will recover and resume normal operation if it "dries out"? (Ordering new alternator regardless)
2. Anyone aware of any additional parts that would need to be replaced aside from the unit itself? I would guess no from previous jobs but don't want to waste shipping time.
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- #10
Looking at the diagram, it would appear that the unit from Toyota comes fully assembled and ready to drop in. The two mounting bolts and the third tensioning bolt would be the only other replaceable parts from what I can tell.
guerasfj60
SILVER Star
It will most likely “dry out” and continue to work but as mentioned, it’s compromised.
I drove thru enough water to hear the whine and see the voltage fluctuations. The next day a purchased a reman alternator. That was two years ago. I will eventually get to replacing it
I drove thru enough water to hear the whine and see the voltage fluctuations. The next day a purchased a reman alternator. That was two years ago. I will eventually get to replacing it
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- #12
It will most likely “dry out” and continue to work but as mentioned, it’s compromised.
I drove thru enough water to hear the whine and see the voltage fluctuations. The next day a purchased a reman alternator. That was two years ago. I will eventually get to replacing it
Thanks for the feedback. Comforting that it may not fail completely immediately, but compromised it is for sure. Figured someone else has had to experienced this in either offroad conditions or in a flooded streets situation.
By no means would I describe the conditions on my route yesterday as "crossing or wading" water but to give you all an idea I basically could have had the garden hose spraying straight at the alternator with the hood open.
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- #13
It will most likely “dry out” and continue to work but as mentioned, it’s compromised.
I drove thru enough water to hear the whine and see the voltage fluctuations. The next day a purchased a reman alternator. That was two years ago. I will eventually get to replacing it
Curious as to whether you had any burning electrical smell during the last two years. Seems that the alternator is working fine, whining has calmed down dramatically, mostly noticeable during idle only but still noticeable and not normal, gauge reflects appropriate voltage. Now my only concern is the burning smell. I have the replacement alternator and going to swap over the weekend. A friend of mine is adamant that it doesn't need replacing yet but the smell is too much for me to pass over and wait for it to fail. 2 years is most definitely out the question.
guerasfj60
SILVER Star
No electrical burning smells that I remember and that’s a smell you don’t forget.
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Replaced alternator and all issues resolved.
Future reference for anyone trying to replace their own...the FSM is rather vague...remove power steering, remove alternator, replace. What it doesnt tell you is that you also have to remove the lower radiator hose and that the alternator has to be removed from the bottom of the vehicle, not over the frame rail through the passenger wheel well. There are also various hoses and hard lines making it rather difficult to manuever the alternator through the space.
Tried to avoid complete disassembly of power steering but I could not remove the old alternator with the power steering tied up in various locations. Inevitably had to drain and refill and bleed power steering as the FSM suggests. Overall rather big PIA and not for newbs learning to wrench. As always, your results/experience may vary.
After removing the alternator, it was evident that it was replaced with a Mexican branded unit, as stamped on the side, which is most likely the reason it didnt last very long. I believe the previous owner provided details regarding that service that ive tucked somewhere. Im confident that this is why it had premature failure.
Future reference for anyone trying to replace their own...the FSM is rather vague...remove power steering, remove alternator, replace. What it doesnt tell you is that you also have to remove the lower radiator hose and that the alternator has to be removed from the bottom of the vehicle, not over the frame rail through the passenger wheel well. There are also various hoses and hard lines making it rather difficult to manuever the alternator through the space.
Tried to avoid complete disassembly of power steering but I could not remove the old alternator with the power steering tied up in various locations. Inevitably had to drain and refill and bleed power steering as the FSM suggests. Overall rather big PIA and not for newbs learning to wrench. As always, your results/experience may vary.
After removing the alternator, it was evident that it was replaced with a Mexican branded unit, as stamped on the side, which is most likely the reason it didnt last very long. I believe the previous owner provided details regarding that service that ive tucked somewhere. Im confident that this is why it had premature failure.
With all of the offshore manufacturing in today's automotive parts market, I would never advocate replacing the alternator. They can be repaired fairly cheaply (usually 50% or less of replacement cost) by a local motor/alternator shop. Alternators do not wear out (i.e. stator, windings, etc...) but their bearings, voltage regulators, etc... can and do wear out. If you have the down time, my suggestion is to take your OEM alternators to a local shop for rebuild. I have had more than one newly purchased branded Bosch alternator fail on me either dead on arrival or after a VERY short time. This is across multiple manufacturers and brands.
