Mid trip Rattle

[Dalaran_Delica]

Hello All,

Sorry if this has been posted befor but I am in a tight squeeze. A rattle began in my engine compartment yesterday and I am in the middle of a trip. I have done some careful 4x4ing this trip and I wondering if the alternator could have shook loose and is causing the rattle? If this is improbable any suggestions?

MR

[nxski]

Is there anything specific you can tell us about the rattle? A lot of things make rattling noises so right now it's next to impossible to say what it could be. Does it rattle faster at speed or with higher revs, when you hit a bump, etc..? Also, where are you located at the moment? Someone might be able to tell you if there's a good mechanic nearby you could go to.

[Dalaran_Delica]

Guess I should have given more info... The rattle speeds up until about 1500rpm then it stops, but will kick in randomly. The reason I believe Its a loose alternator is because I can see it vibrating violently when idling. I think it kicks in when a bump is hit. It does not change with temp. The engine only has 100,000km on it and I got it at 80,000km Have not gone on to many bumpy dirt roads, same with the old owners.

I am in clearwater BC I know jasper has a good mechanic but dont know anywhere else.

[nxski]

Check the crankshaft pulley bolt for one and if that's what's loose you don't want to drive it far. If the alternator only kicks in when you hit a bump the batteries won't be charging very well. If it is the alternator you can tighten it through a hole in the wheel well. Grab the belt and see if you can twist it past a quarter turn, if you can then the alternator is loose.

[Dalaran_Delica]

Thanks!! Well I ventured underneath and found a bolt is loose on the Alternator(one of the bolts that holds a it together... Long bolt with a squar head) Thats the best I could make out anyway. I could not find the bolt under the rubber flap to tighten the belts. the belts felt pretty loose! Tomorrow I will be taking into a shop to tighten it all up.

Where is crank shaft bolt?

DD

[Dalaran_Delica]

If there are some photos somewhere that would be great

[lrp374]

If you're heading toward Kamloops let me know. I've played around with my alternator so I can give you a few hints as well as places you can take it to if necessary. I also just replaced my crank pulley which was a LOT of fun. Good luck - hope you find simple solutions.

Larry

[Dalaran_Delica]

FIXED--The alternator was infact loose, the nut fell off! After asking a local shop they allowed me to use their tools and gave me a nut... I was able to tighten the bolt and the rattle stopped!!! Need to tighten up belts a little but its not to bad!!!

Thanks for all the Help,

DD