Clicking alternator...should i ignore it? (Page 1/1)
Kitskaboodle MAR 23, 05:17 PM
Hi all, I’m changing the alternator on my 85 GT. (Yes, I already did the CS130 upgrade) Anyways, I bought a new CS130 alternator and as you know many new GM alternators automatically come with the 5 grooved pulley, so, I swapped it out with my 4 grooved pulley from the old alternator. After this I spun the alternator to make sure that it spins freely but then noticed it makes a moderate clicking noise. I’m not sure if it was there before I changed pulleys or not. (I wasn’t paying attention)
Strangely, it clicks when you spin it clockwise but not CCW. As I rotated it, I looked inside behind the fan blades and you can see just how little clearance there is between the stator blades and the inside curve of the armature. Maybe it’s hitting one of them as the shaft is turned? As an FYI both old and new alternators will exhibit a little clicking/play if you twist the shaft back and forth but the difference is the new one only clicks when you spin it clockwise.

Is this ok? Install it anyways and don’t worry about the clicking? If there is physical touching of the stator and armature ring, will this cause the alternator to short out? Did your new alternator do this? Kit

[This message has been edited by Kitskaboodle (edited 03-23-2021).]

reinhart MAR 24, 07:26 AM
I may not be reading you right about the clearance issue, but I remember that whenever I swap the pulley wheel I have to move over a washer. The original pulley has a washer the one that comes with the new alternator doesn't if memory serves. Did you move the washer behind the pulley wheel over when you swapped it out? Without the washer the pulley wheel will be up against rubbing the housing.
Kitskaboodle MAR 24, 10:15 AM
No, that’s not it. There is no washer in the old or or new alternator. There is no interference between the housing and the fan wheel blades. It is coming from inside the alternator. I think I’m just going to install it and hope for the best.
Thanks, Kit
reinhart MAR 25, 03:24 AM
Install it and if it's not working right just replace it. I started asking the auto parts guy to test the new alternator each time after having one not work even when first installed. I've got a lifetime warranty but they typically only last 2 years or so.
Kitskaboodle MAR 25, 10:31 AM
That’s what I ended up doing.
So far so good. The reason for being hesitant to install it is that it’s a difficult job to replace a Fiero alternator. I’d rather not go back in there for a while.
Thanks for the input, Kit