GaryDoug

Alternators only last a few years for me, so I am replacing them a lot. But just in the last few years, every alternator I buy (used or rebuilt) has a high pitch whine at low speeds. The frequency of the whine increases with the engine speed, so maybe it just goes above my hearing range above a fast idle speed. I verified the alternator is the culprit by disconnecting it's enable wire while running: wire on=whine, wire off=quiet. I also located the noise with a stethoscope. Has anyone had the same problem?

GaryDoug

Perhaps I am asking the wrong question. Can you guys tell me what brand/model you are using for an alternator on a LS1 Camaro or Firebird and not having an annoying whine sound? Thanks.

G Atsma

It might be easier for YOU to tell us which alternator you are using.
There are some good threads on here about which alternators work best.
Also, post a sound video so we can hear what you describe.

GaryDoug

OK for a start, I bought a new Duralast one from Autozone many years ago. It came with a lifetime warranty and I have used that warrantee many times. Only in the last few years have I noticed the whine though. I recently bought what is described as a genuine AC Delco new one off Amazon. It has the worst whine. It was supposedly made in the USA. I have a couple more on order, one from PowerMaster and one generic one, both off Amazon. I will try to record an audio clip.

GaryDoug

Video with sound:

GaryDoug