Mtrain I haven't taken it in yet for the service. Been covered up at work but I will post here and let you know the results. I agree with you about the sound, if you aren't listening for it you may not even notice. Turn on your lights and plug in a spot light to cause a draw on your alternator and the noise will disapear. Tell me then which way sounds better? I can tell you it sounds a heck of alot better without the rattle. We shouldn't let Kubota pass the buck on this obvious design defect. I got $10 grand in mind and all I want to hear at idle is engine noise. I'll post results of the service call at completion of service.