Strange noise on a mk2!! Any ideas??

[16v Matt]

Hi everyone,  I've got a late mk2 16v that has developed a fairly high pitch whizzing noise(sorry for the sh!te description) from the alternator side of the engine. It is there all the time, but more noticable above 4000rpm.  I've not really had a good look yet but I was thinking maybe alternator on the way out or associated belts , water pump or could it be the timing belt 

What do you lot reckon?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

[Blue MK2]

I know this probably not reccomended but i put some WD40 on the moving parts on the alternator and the water pump and it done the trick.

Just dont get any on the belts

[SoundillusioN]

Sounds like the bearings in the alternator itself are on the way or just very dry. ?Check to see how tight the belt is, if it could do with a tighten, go for it. ?Also try spraying some wd40 just behind the pully where the bearings are.  The noise may go away for some time if the belt is taught and all is lubed up. ?If that fails and the alternator is quite old, it may be worth doing an exhange for a new one. ?Unless I'm completly wrong and the noise is something else of course. ?

[16v Matt]

cheers people,  my first thought was the alternator, just did'nt know if should be checking anyhting else.

[richandhazel]

To help narrow it down, whip the V belt off and start the car, from cold.
IT'LL BE OK FOR A FEW SECONDS BUT NO LONGER THAN AROUND A MINUTE, WITH NO COOLANT FLOW...........noise still there? Then it'll be the timing belt tensioner

[16v Matt]

Nice one, thanks very much people. I'll get on to it tonight

[vwsystems]

check all of your air pipes! vacume leaks squeel!
you want hear it squeel when the idle screw comes out!
its like a ecotec valve! squeek!

if your cambelt tentioner has seized! you will get black dust around the cambelt cover and alernator area! this bacl dust is from the belt wearing down! and if this continues it will snap like mine did on me! lucky 8v so no engine damage!

good thing to watch out for!

[16v Matt]

Cheers vwsystems,  some one told me it could be the head gaskest     It only seems to do it when its warmed up.  That said i never break 3500rpm before the oil reaches 90 so maybe i would'nt hear it anyway

I've sparyed wd40 on to the alternator as suggested earlier, but its not made any difference.

Can i take the belt off the alternator & run the car without it for a few miles, just to see if the noise is still there?

Cheers,
Matt