Suspect voltage regulator

[Ikebaddog]

Hi, new fault has developed on the Series 3, after starting the fan belt will squeal if engine is above 1500 rpm, and the voltmeter in the car goes full deflection, this lasts for about 2-4 minutes, then the belt stops squealing and the volts drop to normal, its as though there is a load on the alternator, but putting an actual load on it ... lights, heater fan, wipers etc, makes no difference, it only happens after starting ( not always, but getting more frequent ), and never recurrs after dropping back to normal, fan belt is correct tension... could the regulator be "demanding" too much load from the Alternator???

[Ole-xke1974]

Depending on the age of the belts, they might have gone hard and every time they squeal, they’ll get more “glazed” and slippery. Mine are 9 years and 5k miles old and does the same, but it goes away immediately after start up. Maybe some friction spray, new belts, ear plugs or leave it ?
Cheers ..... Ole

[Paul Buckley]

Quote:
"Hi, new fault has developed on the Series 3, after starting the fan belt will squeal if engine is above 1500 rpm, and the voltmeter in the car goes full deflection, this lasts for about 2-4 minutes, then the belt stops squealing and the volts drop to normal, its as though there is a load on the alternator"

Ole, do you have voltmeter deflection while the belt is squealing ?

I have a similar squeal but it only concerns the hydraulic pump whose belt squeals with full steering lock, obviously loading the pump.

Cheers

Paul

[Ole-xke1974]

Hi Paul,
sorry for not answering sooner.
I don't think so. My fan belt only squeal when I stab the accelerator, not at steady RPM, sorry no help there.
Cheers ........ Ole

[cactusman]

Squealing belts suggest either incorrect tension or badly worn. The battery voltage should settle to around 14 volts or so between the terminals once started. Anything above 15 volts and I would suspect a faulty regulator. Measure the battery voltage with a multimeter as it will be more accurate and quicker to respond too.