pagiven@drutx.UUCP (GivenP) (09/06/85)
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Beware the alternator! A good source of RF noise with frequency
proportional to engine speed when you think about it.
I isolated the problem by removing the fan belt to the alternator.
I drove around the block, with no interference to the radio. A new
alternator later, and all interference was gone. The low voltage
idiot light was not active for the old alternator, yet I knew the
light worked because it came on when the fan belt was disconnected.
The old alternator had 100K miles on it, so although probably only
the rectifier circuit needed fixing, good preventive maintenance
tactics required replacing the entire unit. The bearings were
starting to make a little noise, anyway.
Shop around for your best alternator deal. Prices varied widely.
Quotes were $85 ("I believe you'll find this price very competi-
tive"), $80, $69, and $39. All were for 70 amp, rebuilt Delco-Remy
alternators with a two year warranty.
Now why did the alternator start interfering with the radio only
after I tuned up the ignition? Maybe I just didn't notice? Thanks
again for everyone's help.
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Paul Given {ihnp4, houxe, stcvax!ihnp4}!drutx!pagiven
AT&T Information Systems Laboratories
11900 N. Pecos, Rm 1B04, Denver 80234 (303)-538-4058
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