i have a 1992 civic si... for the past few days the car has been idling at 250 very low... and i noticed a whining noise from the alternator area. not really sure what it is??? any help is appreciated. to give you a better idea of what the noise is, it almost sounds like your parked and you turn your steering wheel..and it makes that little whining noise but its constant and very loud.

 

may need to get new belt or put some belt dressing on it.

pulley could be bad as well

 

check your charging system? It might be low, that will make your car idle low and maybe a dead batter. could have a bad bearing?

 

Figure out the low idle first, then worry about the weird noise. My alternator has been making an awful noise since the winter... I got a new one, but I just don't feel like putting it in. I'm going to wait until it quits... still charging fine.

 

bump

 

what could cause the low idleing tho??? its so weird...it just started doing this. and that goddamn noise is embarassing i just cant figure it out..i checked the belt and the pulley and they both look fine.

 

Remove the alternator belt and start the car (not too long though... ) and see if it still makes the noise. If it doesn't... have the alternator rebuilt or buy a new/used one. Simple.

Your low idle on the other hand, check for vacuum leaks.

 

There is a bolt near or on the alternator that my mechanic adjusted that made my belt tighter and the noise just stopped....It only took like 5 seconds for him to do it and I was sufferin with that damn sound for like 3 months. You should probably take back that alternator because u probably just need a belt adjustment....

 

True...

1. belt is too tight/loose

if not

2. bearing in the alternator had enough... pull off the belt and try to move the pulley and check if it moves smooth or not. You'll probably need a new alternator.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DBLAZE &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">There is a bolt near or on the alternator that my mechanic adjusted that made my belt tighter and the noise just stopped....It only took like 5 seconds for him to do it and I was sufferin with that damn sound for like 3 months. You should probably take back that alternator because u probably just need a belt adjustment....</TD></TR></TABLE>

Belt tension is the first thing I checked before I spent $30 on another alternator.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by (PL)typeR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">2. bearing in the alternator had enough... pull off the belt and try to move the pulley and check if it moves smooth or not.</TD></TR></TABLE>

^^My problem.