Hi, Philip!
The common denominator for all the symptoms is the fan belt. A slipping
belt is the only "chirping" noise I've ever heard from an engine. Water
pumps normally start leaking from the weep hole before they make a noise.
If your water pump is weeping, it could be lubricating the belt with
coolant. If the belt is loose or slipping, that could explain the chirping
and the alternator light.
Since you already have a new pump, I would recommend replacing the water
pump, cleaning/drying the belt and pulleys, and installing the belt so that
it is just tight enough to drive the alternator without slipping. Don't
overtighten the belt, because that could damage the alternator bearings.
Steve Byers
Havelock, NC USA
'73 Midget GAN5UD126009G "OO NINE"
"It is better to remain silent, and be thought a fool
than to speak, and remove all doubt" -- Mark Twain
----- Original Message -----
From: Philip Hubbard <hubbard@idir.net>
To: <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, September 25, 1999 7:43 AM
Subject: Alternator Lights, Engine Bay Chirps and Leaks
> Hello fellow listers:
>
>
> Arioch, the '74 Midget has been in the shop for some time and just came
> back to me with a new chassis "cross member" and the accident damage
> pulled back out so that I don't have approximately 3 degrees neg camber.
> :)
>
>
> But I've notice some other issues in the past few days (alternator light
> just today).
>
>
> 1) Engine chirps at start up. Kind of a rhythmic chirp, pause, chirp,
> pause, chirp etc in pretty rapid succession. I'm just trying to say not
> a constant chiiiiiiiiirp. Doesn't seem to make the noise after the car
> has been going a while.
>
>
> 2) Alternator light comes on intermittently. Worse at lower RPMs - for
> instance never seen it come on yet at highway speeds. But not always on
> at lower speeds.
>
>
> 3) Bit of wetness under the water pump.
>
>
> I've got a preliminary diagnosis and wanted to see if the list thought it
> was a logical first place to start.
>
>
> How about two different problems?
>
>
> Chirp from a water pump going south causing a bit of a leak as well.
> Water/anti-freeze doesn't seem to be coming from any hose I can see.
>
>
> Alternator light from a loose belt (though it doesn't feel
> <underline>that</underline> loose). Trying to figure out why it isn't
> always on and never at speed. Wondering if the slip is made up for by
> higher RPM on the highway, but can't be made up for at lower RPM.
>
>
> I'm anxious to see if I might be even close. I've already bought the
> water pump because it isn't that expensive and it seems a logical place
> to start. If it isn't bad, I don't mind having a spare in the boot.
>
>
> Thanks for any ideas.
>
>
> Philip
>
> 1974 Damask Red Midget - Arioch, Lord of Chaos
>
> 1960 BRG Bugeye Sprite - First up for restoration
>
> 1973 Damask Red Midget - Project car for sale
>
>
>
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