TR2/3/3A Alternator from British Wiring

[karls59tr]

I installed the kit and am happy with the result except for the fact that there is a whine coming from it that I find overly loud. Anyone else installed one of these and have the same issue? Wonder how hard it would be to swap the noisy bearing assuming it is a noisy bearing??? or is that just the way they are?

 

[Geo Hahn]

Not knowing what 'one of these' is - I can only say that a whine coming from an alternator is not something I would ignore.

A stethoscope or substitute may help you pin-point the source - could even be the belt.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Ahh - this perhaps? https://www.britishwiring.com/product-p/ltr3tr4alt.htm

If it is a new alternator making that noise I'd start by talking to the vendor.

 

[TR3driver]

Alternators do make a tiny bit of noise normally, but should be no way to hear it over a running TR motor.
I would check carefully around the fan blades, might be rubbing a mounting bolt or something. Then talk to the vendor as Geo said, with an eye towards a replacement.
Bearings are easy enough to change on most alternators, but no way should that be needed with a new unit!

 

[Frank_D]

I installed one from British Wiring last august and have had no issues and no whinning whatsoever. Call them as I find them very responsive.

Frank D.....

 

[trglory]

I have a BW alternator on my TR3a and have no whining. Make sure the alternator is aligned with the water pump and crank pulley. Then make sure you don't have the belt adjusted so tight that you put side stress on the bearings. It's hard to get it adjusted right when there is so little play between too much and not enough. I ended up putting a turnbuckle type adjustment rod on my car to be able to dial in a good feel for the tension.

Once you are satisfied that the installation is correct, then talk to the folks at BW.

 

[karls59tr]

Not knowing what 'one of these' is - I can only say that a whine coming from an alternator is not something I would ignore.

A stethoscope or substitute may help you pin-point the source - could even be the belt.

"one of these refers" refers to the alternator in the subject of the post.

 

[karls59tr]

I have a BW alternator on my TR3a and have no whining. Make sure the alternator is aligned with the water pump and crank pulley. Then make sure you don't have the belt adjusted so tight that you put side stress on the bearings. It's hard to get it adjusted right when there is so little play between too much and not enough. I ended up putting a turnbuckle type adjustment rod on my car to be able to dial in a good feel for the tension.

Once you are satisfied that the installation is correct, then talk to the folks at BW.

Not sure what you mean by "turnbuckle type adjustment"?

 

[Got_All_4]

Karl does that set up have a internal regulator or do you use the existing original? Also how many amps?

 

[martx-5]

The alternator linked to is a Delco 10SI which has an internal regulator. They had versions from 37 to 63 amps. It's most likely the 63 amp version, as rotors and stators for the lower amp units are hard to come by.

 

[trglory]

The first photo shows the alternator adjusted out as far as I could get it with the belt attached. Second photo shows the amount of adjustment available between full in and full out .... had a hard time getting the proper tension on the belt and then tightening the bolt without moving the alternator. Third photo shows the turnbuckle adjuster rod I used (I think it came from a Jaguar); adjust till you get the proper tension, then snug up the lock nuts on either side.

 

[BillyB62]

I've had the British Wiring alternator kit on for several years. I had a loud whine a couple of summers ago, replaced the belt (still using the wide belt), and it's been gone ever since.

 

[karls59tr]

Thanks for the pics Joe. Is the collar of the turnbuckle adjuster on the engine side attached to the water pump? Is that a TR6 fan I see? I have one on my car but had to mount it reversed to get clearance.