Alternator whine
 

I have noticed a faint whine which gets louder when I put full beam on so I am sure it is the alternator. Is this likely to be the belt or something else?

Ta!

What zs you got? Alternators always go on the k series.

1.6, so yeah it is the K series. When you say "go" do you mean needs a new one or that it just needs 'fixing'?

Id get a new one mate. Ive had to replace 4 on 4 K series cars that ive owned lol

Get a new one mate the bearings go. it will get louder then it will die lol. I had to get one for my ZR i just found a low miles car that was breaking and it was fine but I think you can buy recon ones from eBay.. Not sure

so, are all k series alternators the same? ie. will one for a 1.8 fit a 1.6? There are a few on flea bay...

cheers

Not all are the same mate check the part numbers :)

1400 and 1600 k series share the same alternator, the link from Rimmer Bros will let you work out which one you need from your vin, I wouldn't buy from Rimmers cos they're kin expensive for things like alternators.

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID003166

The alternator on my 180 whines when it's hot and i'm using some power like the heated screen!! It's done it for a couple of years. It's not a sign it's about to fail imho as the noise is created by the windings ossilating however if it is worrying you then swap it just for piece of mind ;)