I've had nothing but issues with my stock alternator since I bought it. I can't remember if I had this trouble before or after my install of my headers. But anyway I have had 2 stock alternators now replaced. The problem I have will the alternator will wine like a blower belt sound. Now you can't over tighten these belts so thats out of the question, next I have looked under my car to see if any wires were burnt and nothing. Now could my cam be the reason? Drawing to much juice? I dont drive it much so it sits for 12hrs then get driven 9miles and sits and get driven 9miles again. My battery has been replaced once also. I was thinking the battery isn't getting charged all the way and putting more pressure on the alternator. So my next thing should I replace it with a better alternator. thanks

 

Don't mean to be glib, but how do you know it's the alt. and not the A/C, idler/tensioner, power streering pump, etc.

 

I don't but it has already killed one battery? And the alternator that was on before did the same thing?

 

If your car is a B4C, then you should already have the heavy duty bat/alt option. So unless you've put a 1000W stereo in there, size shouldn't be a problem.

Are you buying GM(dealer) parts or rebuilt auto parts store parts? Rebuilt alt are not always done properly.

A whine, as discribed, is usually caused by bad bearings and shouldn't effect the output of the alt. You can check this by taking the belt off, and/or listening with a mech. stethoscope.

It sounds like you may be a victum of bad maintenance practices. You have to make sure your bat. is fully charge and functional when you change the alt. And all your connection are clean and corrosion free.

What is your volt gage reading before startup, after startup, and after driving for 10 min. or so.

Short trip driving like this is the worst. You need to get out and get some road miles on it once in a while.

 

Check all wire connections for looseness, corrosion, etc.

 

First thanks to all, My alternator is being replaced under the dealer, 2nd all conections are clean and tight. My volts stay above 13. What has happen in the past it starts to whine then increases in noise and my lights will flicker and what has happen in the past is the car will turn off or it will pop and all the lights on the gauge will flash and I lose power. As far as driving it I know It's not good for it to sit and only be driven a few miles, but thats how I keep her looking so pretty

 

This sounds more like an excessive draw on the system, like a short. I'd check all the BIG wires for wearing on the frame or exhaust. Also might get a load test done on the alt. to see if there is something pulling a lot of amps.
Good Luck.
I hate electrical problems!!!!