Remove the water pump belt. You stand at the rear of the van, engine
hatch open, and have someone else starte the engine and let it run
briefly. It won't hurt anything for a few seconds. but it will be long
enough to isolate water pump noise from alternator noise. Easiest way I
know.

Usually water pump is a squeal, the alternator bearings is a whine.

But not always. Just most of the time.

Good luck,

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Kim Springer wrote:
> Hello List,
>
> I have a "whirring" noise that developed a few months back.  Changes with the RPM of the engine.
>
> If I was back in the aircooled days, it would definitely be the generator bearings.  It has that classic sound.
>
> So I pull the best and started it briefly...noise gone.  But when I spin the alternator, it doesn't sound that bad.
>
> Could it be a the waterpump?  What kind of a noise do those bushings make?
>
> Kim Springer
> '89 Tristar #7 2WD White
>
>
>