Rattling noise coming from Alternator

[macmillions]

Sorry for late reply. Not been on here in ages. Had to put off the alternator for a while, money issues have put all plans on hold. My stupid Clio is costing me £500 to get through its MOT! Tip of the day, don't buy a French car!

I doubt its the waterpump on mine to be honest, as when we first bought the car in Oct we had the cambelt and waterpump changed, and I can assure you the noise is coming from the alternator. However, it is still charging well, as even in the real cold snap the car rockets into life instantly on the turn of the key.

Otherwise, since our recon 2E2, the car has been faultless. Fitted a complete OEM style speaker system and its great. By looking at it, you wouldn't notice as its all fitted in the original spaces.

How's your bad boy?

[dadrathers]

OK if you have had the water pump replaced then it is unlikely to be that. Replaced both on mine but it was the water pump that made a massive difference to noise and vibration.

Still same advice get an exchange unit (when you have got the cash).

P.S. How can you live with yourself if you own a Mk2 and also a French car?????

[vwcool]

i had this with mine,i gave it some wd40 and it shut it up a bit in the end the fan belt snaped put a new one on and the nosie went.i had people saying the water pumps on the way out or the alternator was shot in the end it was a old dryed out fanbelt.its worth a try might save you a bit of money..

[AndySil]

Thanks for your input.
This is very interesting and I think you are absolutely right.
I had been thinking the worse for some time that I would need either a new alternator or water pump or both, as intermittently, the noise would be quite clattery sounding at times.
I went down to my local garage to show the symptoms to the mechanic and he demonstrated that it was indeed the fan belt that was at fault. He sprayed some rubber lubricant onto the fanbelt when the engine was running, and instantly the rattles disappeared.
I seem to remember getting a replacement belt years ago that was a different thickness although the part number was correct. The one I have at the moment is quite thin and sits deep into the "V" whereas the previous one was thicker and filled the "V" fully. Still not sure which is the correct one though.
The car (MK2 1.8 GU)is going great, still with the original 2E2 carb, although I'm looking for a Mk4 now if I can find one.

[macmillions]

Ah, the old thread is back on again!
The alternator seems to have shut itself up now. So had actually forgotten about it!
We love our GL. It has a reconditioned 2e2 carb and it's fantastic. Why people bin these when they get a bit old and tired is beyond me. The recon unit is great!

The GL has got to behave itself for the time being, as we have aquired a 16valve GTI https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=115618 so that is our current money pit haha!