Alternator Issue is Driving Me Crazy

[SwissSteve]

I would appreciate some advise on what to try next with my alternator issue.

I had an upgraded Wisp alternator fitted with a 3rd party supplied bracket to remount it.
This was installed and working for 18 months without issue.

Last october I started to experience a squeeling noice which initially was there for 3 to 5
minutes then it stopped. I found that if I wedged the alternator against the body of the car
the noice stopped.

I returned the Wisp alternator to the supplier thinking it was faulty bearings. When I came to
fit the new alternator I actually found that the bracket had a crack on the weld so the alternator
was properly secured.

I then received a replacement bracket from the supplier which was also faulty. Misaligned Alternator when fitted. I have waited paitently to get a replacement bracket and eventually decided to order an alternative bracket from another supplier.

I fitted the alternator tonight using the new bracket and to my dismay the noise is still there.

In desperation I swapped the belts from the Steering pump but still the same problem.

Now I am really confused.

I guess the second alternator is ok.
The bracket is now ok.
The belt is ok.


So what can it be?

If I remove the alternator belt there is no noise.

I am wondering if I have another faulty wisp alternator?
Anyone else had problems with these devices?
Could this be the viscous coupling?

Any thoughts

Regards

Steve

[RogerP]

Steve..Had the same problem with the Wisp Alternator, went back to a standard Lucas unit no noise. Roger

[Seaking]

I brought one of these from fleabay and have no problems very happy with it. only use a standard belt.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Minispeed-Ltd-01932-400567?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

ENDING SOON 1 of 2 images

Classic Mini - Alternator 80amp performance uprated 1275 998 cooper gt minispeeddirect | 5954 | 99.9%

cheers Glenn

[SwissSteve]

Steve..Had the same problem with the Wisp Alternator, went back to a standard Lucas unit no noise. Roger

So I am not alone with this issue.

I think I may go back to the Lucas unit as I dont really need the extra capacity.

May evn be able to buy a unit in Switzerland without having to ship from the UK.
That will be a bit cheaper.

Just hope the fittings will work with my relocator bracket.

[Motorcycle mad]

Hi Steve
I am of the opinion that you are not tightening the alternator belt enough, with you now having the alternator in a more accessible position, the trade-off I assume is a longer alternator belt, in addition to the longer belt, you also have a much higher output alternator this is putting a greater loading on the narrow belt. The solution is to ensure you have a raw edge belt (which do not stretch so much) and it is tight, check the belt on its longest run and only have about an inch of up and down movement, you may need to use a lever to tension the belt.
Have you noticed that after a short period of running the noise stops, this is because the alternator out-put has dropped off and is not loading the belt as much, if you then stop the engine, turn on the headlamps for a few minutes, then turn them off, re-start the engine, the noise will return, but stop again after running for a few minutes, -----loose fan belt.

Ken

[Bob Heritage]

I don't know what bracket you are using, but there are reports that the Ward one is a bit iffey, not very rigid. Another thing to double check is that the pullys are all lined up.

Bob

[singapore stag]

I fitted the Wards Bracket and high output Wosp Alternator over 2 years ago. Had no problem except about 18 months ago one of the bolts sheared off whilst I was tensioning the belt, my fault really...other then that the bracket does seem a bit frail. It could be strengthened by dropping a bit of weld on it with an extra plate.


Sukh.

[staginhiding]

I was under the impression that the Wards one was meant to be the best type to have..
I will be doing this conversion on mine soon and would appreciate opinions and comments..

Thanks

Sam

[singapore stag]

I was under the impression that the Wards one was meant to be the best type to have..
I will be doing this conversion on mine soon and would appreciate opinions and comments..

Thanks

Sam

To be fair , I had mine on the car for over 2 years with no problems. Just make sure you route the cable safely, there are some threads/posts on the fitting and cabling you can look up.

Sukh.

[SwissSteve]

To be fair , I had mine on the car for over 2 years with no problems. Just make sure you route the cable safely, there are some threads/posts on the fitting and cabling you can look up.

Sukh.

Decided to go for the 18ACT Lucus unit.

Does this fit with the Tony Hart's Alternator relocation bracket?
When I order it over here they will ask what car is it for and will not even know the Stag.
Any recommendations as to which car I should mention and which model?

This decide is available in left hand or right hand models. I assume this is refering to left or
right hand drive. Is this true?

TIA for the help.

[SaskStag]

I asked the same question to tony hart and he said any acr Lucas alternator. I should be getting my th bracket any day and will be fitting a Lucas acr18 with a whopping 110A output. I have already laid out the wiring and rerouted the cable. I wasn't intending on getting such a high output, but used 1G cable and renewed the battery cables. I hope it all works ok and the alt fits with a stagweber header tank.
I don,t remember having to know rhd or lhd.
Also, I'm not sure the ward's bracket is in stock at moment.
I bought
Tanya

[Seaking]

Tanya

If You have brought a wards Bracket then you will have to mod your lucas alternator as mine did not fit and had to grind away a small amount of metal all will become clear when yours arrive can post a pic later when back from work.

Cheers Glenn

[KOY 23]

Steve.
i believe the left and right refer to the rotation.

Tanya.
the TH bracket is good. I don't have that sort of header tank, so can't confirm clearance.

I originally bought the earlier Wards bracket, the one that looks like a tuning fork, I use it as a wheel chock, works well.

John.

[staginhiding]

I thought that I read that the brackets with the long arm extension (not the Wards one) give some sort of vibration under load..
Does anyone else remember the subject coming up..

Sam

[singapore stag]

I believe 'Stagmuffin' had drawings for a similar bracket...he posted a detailed drawing to Alan Thomas. They may still have the drawings, worth making a request. I think you can weld one up within a tenner.

Sukh.