This high pitched whine (almost like a blower) began to develop a few weeks ago and it is quite loud and matches the engine rpms. (i.e. when the engine revs up so does the whine) it isnt too bad, but doesnt sound good none the less. my mechanic said it sounds like it could be the alternator going. which would make sense to me, because when i head out in the mornings my voltemeter gauge reads 9-10 volts (the same voltage if the engine were off) and the voltemeter eventually goes back to normal (12-14v range) after i've been driving for about 10 mins. but i was also told by my co-workers it could just be a loose or worn serpentine belt (it is old...1991, 116,485 miles) any suggestions? thanks alot.

 

It wouldn't be a loose belt, unless your tensioner is bad. But a loose belt would squeal, not whine. Your volt meter should be reading close to 14 volts right off. A low voltage reading and the whine means a bad alternator.

 

thanks alot, i was just thinking about heading to one of the local junk yards and seeing about another alternator...don't really feel like dropping any cash for a new one, i just have to figure out what model # it is and what GM vehicles i can yank it off of.

 

Most likely the alt.. You could also turn on all your accessories and listen to the whine change.

 

If you don't want to spend the money for a new one just have the old one rebuilt it would cost about the same as a junk yard one. i had the alt. rebuilt out of my nissan for 35.00 a new one was running 250.00

 

i believe you can get a reman at a local parts store for around 60 bucks.

 

And the remanufactured alternator will come with a warrantee.

You aren't guaranteed of anything you get from the junkyard...except for something that looks like an alternator!