Alternator noise suppression

remingtonh

Newbie
Joined
Oct 13, 2014
Messages
3
Location
Austin, TX
I thought of that. Every 3-4 years, I have a capable mechanic do a bumper-to-bumper inspection and fix everything that needs fixing. It's due for that this summer. I'll specifically mention the alternator and if it's even borderline, I'll have it replaced.

I never put the cheap crap on my truck. That's why it's immaculate despite its age.

(No cracks about the radio being "cheap crap". I knew it was entry-level when I bought it. I wasn't sure how much I'd get into ham radio, so I didn't spend the big bucks. It's working just fine and doing everything I want. If/when it craps out, I'll replace it with something high-end. If it doesn't crap out, then there was never a need for something else anyway. Besides, the radio isn't a permanent part of the truck.)

Your capable mechanic, as skilled as he may be mechanically, likely knows little about RFI mitigation.
 

OkieBoyKJ5JFG

Member
Joined
May 16, 2022
Messages
112
Your capable mechanic, as skilled as he may be mechanically, likely knows little about RFI mitigation.
Almost certainly not, but if there's a question about the alternator, it's only logical to start there rather than chasing a bunch of other stuff only to find out that the alternator is failing.
 

slowmover

Active Member
Joined
Aug 4, 2020
Messages
3,456
Location
Fort Worth
I'm not going to resort to a new alternator unless this one is failing or nothing else works, but I'll keep that in mind. Hopefully, changing my grounding location will fix the problem.

DODGE Transceiver Installation Guide will tell you to connect the unfused NEG to the BATT Neg fender connection bolt. (Remove paint).

I can use the Cigar Lighter power cord with my Lincoln II+ and hear the alternator (136A Denso) in my ‘04 2500 CTD. That’s not a surprise.

CORNELL-DUBILIER for Alternator noise control products after a KLF-2 is tried.

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TGuelker

Retired ASE CMAT L1 MRRT
Premium Subscriber
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Dec 17, 2021
Messages
394
Location
Collinsville, Illinois
Another possibility is the electric fuel pump. The noise will change with rpm because the alternator is increasing the voltage to the pump. One way to test is to energize the fuel pump relay and transmit. An oscilloscope on the pump feed and ground should produce 7 or 8 smooth humps with no noise depending on the pump manufacturer. DENSO pumps will not have a waveform because they are brushless.
 
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