Betty's generator bearings are getting loud fast

[Happy]

Seems the looser the belt the less the sound.

My question is how long can I drive her with loud generator bearings?  Should I stop driving her right away?

The sound matches perfectly with muirs worn generator bearing sound on ratwells site.

Thanks for your advise. Betty says hi.

[Beetle]

Unless it's absolutely necessary to drive 'Betty' that way, I wouldn't drive her with noisy generator bearings -- remove & repair or replace the generator.

[Happy]

Thanks I will make it my winter project.

[Happy]

I'll dup my post here: 

WOW is all I have to say really.

I pulled Betty's engine.  You know...the first time was soooooooooo exciting for me back in '07.  This time was more like a chore.

ANYWAY.  What I found surprised me.  The generator bearings were not making the noise.  The 36mm fan nut was not loose.  But the fan itself was loose.  In the mid-day sunshine as i wiggled the fan still in the shroud with 36mm bolt attached I saw there was a crack 3/4 of the way around the center of the fan.

When I removed the 36mm bolt and pulled the fan it came out in two pieces.  I am sure I was only a few miles away from a tow truck call.  Not sure how it held up so long.

Heed Beetles post.  Never ignore a problem.  I like that I had a warning.  Betty always seems to warn me of trouble and always gets me home.

There is my story.  Gonna order a fan...and a generator (why not) today.  The "if it ain't broke don't fix it" does not apply to VW parts that require the engine be pulled.

[Beetle]

Congratulations 'Happy' -- glad you got the problem diagnosed!!

[Happy]

Thanks! Quick question. I'm a dope. I took off the 36mm nut and didn't take note as to how the shims go back on.  I think it is : from the generator small thin shim x2 then fan then two large shims then 36 mm nut.  Then check for rubbing...

Is that correct?  I could be in trouble if I'm wrong after the engine is in!

Thank you.

[Beetle]

Is that correct?  I could be in trouble if I'm wrong after the engine is in!

Main thing is to check for rubbing before reinstalling the engine and to make certain the new fan matches your fan shroud.
Good reference material here.

[Happy]

Thanks Beetle  Parts will be here by Friday. Ordered identical fan and bus generator. And a new pulley because I mangled it getting the 36mm bolt off.