Sorry, that should be "my alternator is testing me".
Since sorting my last "the car is off the road" problem I was getting alternator squeal at start up which was changing to a whistle as the car got warm,
Assuming this was a slack belt I tightened it but as I was buying parts I added a belt to the order for £15.
Having AC it is quite easy to tighten the belt but that made no difference.
So I tested the alternator but it was producing the correct voltages so I assumed the bearings were going.
I managed to get good discount from ECP and picked up one for £94 reduced to £65 outright.
An exchange one was £150 + a £30 surcharge - go figure.
Due to an accident at the start of June in my Alfa 159 daily driver I have been using the F all the time until I got the alfa back last weekend.
Today was the first chance to change the alternator, it came out quite easily but it's quite, possibly quieter than the new one.
Then I found the problem, the tensioner wheel has more wobble than a Chivers jelly.
A quick search of the web found "classic parts 4 cars" who sell them for £42.
Surprised it was that much I tried Rimmers - £12.50!
Moral of the story - make sure you know what needs replacing before buying parts.
Home to black Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 V6 Q4 ,green MGF VVC and red MG Maestro T16.
MG - the friendly marque.