My starter has been whining for a while now and it is showing that it is charging more than it has before. i have had issues lately with new parts giving out (radiator and water pump) and have decided the best stuff is what Chevy put on it in the first place.

I could buy new but if I can do it myself why not. I know there are rebuild kits out there but I have not seen any for an LT1 alternator. Any ideas?

 

After some searching I have found them on ebay, only hints at reputable companies online.

 

i am actually thinking it may be the power steering pump now, nut the alternator is showing about 15 volts at crank up and when revved it goes down slightly. I still think a rebuild is in my future. At 1/3 the price of a new alternator I am sure a rebuild is the way to go for me. Found a guy on ebay that is selling them at $52, named s-and-d-repair.
CS144 Delco Alternator Rebuild Kit Pontiac Chevy Truck Buick GM Cadillac Olds | eBay

 

It's normal for the alternator to put out extra voltage to recharge the battery after a start. If your starter is drawing extra power, the alternator may just be responding to a battery that is at low voltage after starting the engine.

 

Yeah, but it's been doing it much more notably as of late. Perhaps I am paranoid from it trying to leave me in Kansas. I am thinking now it might actually be the power steering pump making the noise.

 

Measure at the battery for the voltage. Should be around 13.5-14VDC when the car is running. If it's 11.5-12VDC(certainly if lower than 11.5) that could be a cause for concern. Most modern car charging systems produce voltages at the battery of 13.5-14VDC. I can pull some readings off my system with a scope, but that may be too much info.

Any issues with the headlights pulsing at night with engine RPM? If they pulse, you need a new alternator as the rectifiers in it are going bad.

I'd forget rebuilding the alternator. I'm an electrical engineer and I don't bother with going that far with mine. I think I got my last alternator at Autozone years ago and it's been fine. Could be a fun little project, but I'd just assume get a "new"(rebuilt one I expect) one with a warranty.

The power steering pumps can make quite a bit of whining noise when bad. They can even be bad when new!!! Ask me how I know!