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Rattle/growl after installing new alternator belt

41107

41107

New member
I thought I pass this on.After installing a new belt I started the engine and had a terrible noise come from the front.Sounded like a bearing going out.Got the stethoscope and sure enough came from the alternator.Took the belt off and spun the alternator pulley it felt fine.Put belt back on started the bike same noise.It drove me nuts.I did everything by the book what could it be?So I went on the internet looking for help and here it was.IBMWR has it all written up under "Alternator Rattle".Something that doesn't happen to often.Could have taken me a long time to find.
 
Glad you found a solution. Could you provide a link to that article? I went to IBMWR Oilhead Tech articles and didn't see anything about this.
 
I also did not find info on alt. rattle in IBMWR.ORG.

https://ibmwr.org/index.php/oilhead-r-bike-tech-articles/


I did a google search and found one entry that discussed the issue without resolution...

https://www.bmwsporttouring.com/topic/68070-alternator-noise-pulley/

Another (sort of) related article on noise from the front of an oilhead engine was identified. This issue was identified as rattling from the throttle bodies ...

https://www.bmwsporttouring.com/topic/63514-rattle-from-front-of-engine/#comment-720297

I have changed belts several times on my oilhead and haven't noticed a rattle. It would be interesting to see more info on the source of the rattle as well as proposed fixes.
 
robsryder said:
I also did not find info on alt. rattle in IBMWR.ORG.

https://ibmwr.org/index.php/oilhead-r-bike-tech-articles/


I did a google search and found one entry that discussed the issue without resolution...

https://www.bmwsporttouring.com/topic/68070-alternator-noise-pulley/

Another (sort of) related article on noise from the front of an oilhead engine was identified. This issue was identified as rattling from the throttle bodies ...

https://www.bmwsporttouring.com/topic/63514-rattle-from-front-of-engine/#comment-720297

I have changed belts several times on my oilhead and haven't noticed a rattle. It would be interesting to see more info on the source of the rattle as well as proposed fixes.
Click to expand...

Sorry about that.Go to the IBMWR page,oil head tech articles and then go to Anton Largiader write up's.You will find it under electrical in his last comment.
 
41107 said:
I thought I pass this on.After installing a new belt I started the engine and had a terrible noise come from the front.Sounded like a bearing going out.Got the stethoscope and sure enough came from the alternator.Took the belt off and spun the alternator pulley it felt fine.Put belt back on started the bike same noise.It drove me nuts.I did everything by the book what could it be?So I went on the internet looking for help and here it was.IBMWR has it all written up under "Alternator Rattle".Something that doesn't happen to often.Could have taken me a long time to find.
Click to expand...


Us too.
 
Omega Man said:
If you are not familiar with copying and pasting a link, let me (us) know. I am happy to help you out.

Glad you are squared away.

OM
Click to expand...

No,I can do it.I just thought by going through it this way step by step you all get to see all the good stuff that is posted there.I have a little library with all the BMW stuff in my favorites like Snobum and many others.
 
PGlaves said:
Loose nuts or bolts or capscrews cause all kinds of different rattles.
Click to expand...

You are right.This one was a suprise.Why would BMW put a threaded spacer in that location?As a retired Tool&Die maker I would have made the spacer part of the alternator housing.
 
41107 said:
You should thank Mr.Largiader for it.
Click to expand...

I have long used info from Anton and appreciate his efforts. However, in this thread it was most useful to have a direct link to the relevant info. Thus, I am thanking Paul for providing the link.
 
robsryder said:
I have long used info from Anton and appreciate his efforts. However, in this thread it was most useful to have a direct link to the relevant info. Thus, I am thanking Paul for providing the link.
Click to expand...

And we should all thank Anton for his shared expertise.
 
41107 said:
You are right.This one was a suprise.Why would BMW put a threaded spacer in that location?As a retired Tool&Die maker I would have made the spacer part of the alternator housing.
Click to expand...
Germans...hard to believe they lost the war...
 
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