Dennis--

If I read between the lines it's almost as if I should replace the
alternator now. ;)

Thanks,
Jeff
83.5 Westfalia
LA,CA

In a message dated 3/24/2006 6:42:48 PM Pacific Standard Time,
dhaynes@optonline.net writes:

If you  can make the fan wobble side to side, then most likely the rear
bearing is  shot or the nylon insert has melted and failed. If bad
enough, the rotor  will hit the stator and due some damage. The miss
alignment will reduce  alternator efficiency and might even induce some
whine. The real issue  though is that catastrophic failure will occur at
some point. When it  occurs, the alternator belt will self destruct or at
least fly off leaving  the water pump inoperative. By the time you see
the light, the engine will  overheat, without this showing on the gauge
(no water pump = no water-flow  = gauge does not move until steam blows
out the coolant). So the money  saved on that rebuilt alternator can be
used towards the tow truck and you  may then get to install that engine
conversion.