Alternator Whine - Gone

[AlterEgo99 5,000+ posts]

This is an FYI thread for anyone who may, like me, own a GM late model full size pickup or SUV.

I have an '08 Silverado and just completed the "Big 3". I replaced the alternator to battery, battery ground to engine block and engine block to chassis wire with Kolossus Fleks Kable 1/0.

I replaced, I did not supplement.

Anyways, I have gone through the numerous steps required to rid myself of alternator whine, and had it pretty well taken care of except for a slight whine that was constant irrespective of the HU volume. Honestly, you couldn't really hear it unless the truck was parked and everything was off, except the audio system of course.

When replacing the OEM wiring during the "Big 3", I replaced the battery negative to engine block with 0/1 and then decided to make the short run from the same point on the engine block to one of the 3 shock strut bolts on the frame, also with 0/1.

When I finished, I checked the alternator whine and it was still as before. I then disconnected the OEM braided ground wire (see pics) that runs from the rear of the engine block on the drivers side (and same side that the alternator is on) and tested it again. Whine gone.

So, moral of the story is if you are doing the "Big 3", select a new chassis ground and get rid of that crappy OEM ground to the chassis. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/cool.gif.3bcaf8f141236c00f8044d07150e34f7.gif

First pic is the OEM chassis ground connected...

View attachment 26511902

Second pic is the OEM chassis ground disconnected...

View attachment 26511903

Click to read more...

 

[alvitae 10+ year member]

hmmm interesting. I'll have to try that on my Honda's whine.

 

[91Chevy 10+ year member]

Good write-up //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[dropped_tb 10+ year member]

i might try this one.

i have an '06 chevy and my system has a whine too that i have been trying to get rid of.

 

[AlterEgo99 5,000+ posts]

i might try this one.
i have an '06 chevy and my system has a whine too that i have been trying to get rid of.

Cost me under $100 for the "Big 3"...the 0/1 Knu wire was a little pricey but well worth it. I'd give it a shot!! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[91Chevy 10+ year member]

Cost me under $100 for the "Big 3"...the 0/1 Knu wire was a little pricey but well worth it. I'd give it a shot!! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

Mine cost me $16 I'm using 4AWG though //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/tongue.gif.6130eb82179565f6db8d26d6001dcd24.gif

 

[dropped_tb 10+ year member]

Cost me under $100 for the "Big 3"...the 0/1 Knu wire was a little pricey but well worth it. I'd give it a shot!! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

already have the big 3. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

i will try to remove the factory ground that you're talking about. i hope it will get rid of my "whiny" sytem //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[pentavolvo 10+ year member]

already have the big 3. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif
i will try to remove the factory ground that you're talking about. i hope it will get rid of my "whiny" sytem //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

50% chance its ur pioneer radio

 

[AlterEgo99 5,000+ posts]

50% chance its ur pioneer radio

Good point...did not notice that...he may want to try the Pinoeer RCA ground trick first.

 

[dropped_tb 10+ year member]

50% chance its ur pioneer radio

Good point...did not notice that...he may want to try the Pinoeer RCA ground trick first.

i'll try that too thanks.

 

[AlterEgo99 5,000+ posts]

Never mind...I think this block to chassis OEM grounding point is important...I noted today that with it disconnected, I get a fair amount of dimming of gauges and even my Alpine HU when the system is really cranked....when I re-attach it, the dimming goes away...looks like I will just beef up that ground strap with some Kolossus Fleks Kable 1/0 gauge ground wire...only thing that sucks is I am short 1 01/ gauge ring terminal and it is gonna be a ***** to reach that f*ckin' bolt on the block...it's at the back of the engine block about 2 inches from the firewall...**** this shit is fun! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/eek.gif.771b7a90cf45cabdc554ff1121c21c4a.gif

 

[duece212 5,000+ posts]

makes me think your "upgraded" motor ground you did as part of the big 3 isn't flowing current to well if the stock braided strap is doing a better job.

 

[AlterEgo99 5,000+ posts]

You may be correct. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif