Colin42

Belt might need to be tensioned

StockD16

Just finish putting on the VC and plugs. Removed the PS belt. Now I am going to tighten everything up and start the car. Check for whining noise, voltage from battery while idling and double check Alt belt.
I will update as soon as I'm done testing. Thanks!

StockD16

Started the car and no whining sound! It's definitely the PSP belt or pump. Not sure. Whoever installed the oil filter is a jerk!! I can't get that thing off. I have to go to Advance Auto and pick up one of the small grippers. The two I have are too big but, I'm glad the noise went away. I'll order a new belt. I still haven't checked the voltage yet. Turns out someone stole the 9 volt battery in it.

FRSam

Just something Colin mentioned that I want to double-check.

Is the fluid level in the PS reservoir good?

StockD16

Yes it is. That was the first thing I checked prior to removing the VC. I think I need a new alternator. I just finished changing the oil and started up the car. Turned on the headlights and I can see the flicker. I haven't had the chance to clean up the ground connections. They are a bit corroded. After replacing the VCG and grommets, I'm questioning if the TB was actually changed 40k ago. The gaskets were hard as a rock and if someone is replacing their timing belts, nine times out of ten, they are replacing the gaskets as well.

StockD16

I put back on the PSP belt and sure enough, the whining came back. Not sure if it's the belt or the pump. According to research, it's the O rings that go bad over time and let air in the system. I have not looked in the PSP for bubbles while the car was idling. I'm going to do that in a few and if there are bubbles, then the O rings are bad. If no bubbles are present, then I'll replace the belt. If the whining persists, then it's the pump.

BrotatoChip

Belts are cheap enough to buy and test. I'd put my money on the pump though.

StockD16

I have a feeling it's the pump. I ordered the OEM Orings. I'll grab a belt and see if that fixes the noise. If it does, great! If not, then O rings are next.

StockD16

I replaced the o rings and the noise is still there. Looks like the PO was trying to fix the issue as well because there are two belts I found in the trunk but, I think I need to replace the alternator because of the pulsating lights. The pump will have to wait.

Any recommendation on where to buy an alternator? Should I buy used or one of those new/reman alts from Ebay?

Colin42

Used from a junkyard or new from honda