How would you clean an alternator?

[Eagle_Adam]

The alt I got with my KA is filthy to say the least.....

But it tested good and the swap I bought was running when I pulled it so I don't see the need to buy a new alt.

My question is what's the best way to clean the alt?

Seems like electrical cleaner would be fine but it also seems like it would just fill the internals of the alt with crap and ruin a good part :/

Sooooooo.......

Suggestions?











And just go buy one isn't up for discussion until I fuck up the one I have

[draker]

Crack it open. then clean the case... or send it to jrock

[Eagle_Adam]

I was under the impression that you needed proper selves to keep the innards together while the case is off .....

But now I can't remember who told me that...... And I can't say I've actually ever tried


Might have had a blonde moment

[Laecaon]

Just wash it with whatever. Give it time to dry. Your alt sees worse conditions going down the road.

[draker]

oil and shit inside will kill it. hyundai v6 valve cover gasket recall... seal would fail and drip on alternator. customer would come in with dead vehicle.. oil saturated alternator from the failed gasket. as far as opening the alternator. im not sure on the ka alts, but ive opened others for repair before. if you can clean without opening, probably easier. but opening it.. it will be spotless. and maybe colorful too.

[Laecaon]

Oil kills when in use. Not when sitting. Heck I'll go dump my laptop in water right now. Just make sure its clean and dry before using.

[Eagle_Adam]

Pics or u didn't do it Jacob :p

After googling the topic if like to take the front and rear cover off in a manner that allows me to reassemble it after powdercoating or paint

[draker]

Yeah, you should be fine doing that. If you spray brake cleaner and stuff on it, you'll likely just force that shit inside and into the windings. Then when when you start it up.. it could have issues.

[Laecaon]

I once put my keyboard through the dishwasher. It worked fine after.

The key is to make sure there is no electricity anywhere, that all capacitors have discharged, so that when you do short circuit everything, nothing happens as there is no flow of electrons. Then dry it out, and its good to go.

Brake cleaner may hurt the coating on the windings. Shit in the windings mean nothing. Shit on the regulator, or brushes could mess it up.

[DRIVEN]

Alternators are pretty tough. Purple Power, Castrol Super Clean, Brakleen. All will be fine. I've put them in solvent tanks and run them through hot water parts washers. Just use some compressed air to get it dry inside before you fire up the engine.

[izzo]

Arent the bearings sealed?