Alternator: lost efficency vs broken...

[Onizuka]

This last weekend I was fixing a coolent leak that was caused by a loose hose clamp underneath the intake manifold. The coolent was leaking onto the alternator for quite some time, draging dirt and oil along with it. For as long as this has been happening, my battery light has been dimley on along with the brake light, most likely meaning a dying alternator. During the repair, I spilled alot of coolent on the alternator, and when I started it up yesterday, it idled like the alternater had finally gone (revs jumping all over the place along with gaps in ignition firing). I decided not to take my car to school this moring, and switch cars with my dad because he has a short drive, while mine is long. He just called me a little while ago and says the car is running perfectly. Now my question is this, since coolent is an electrolyte (can transfer electricity), would it, along with dirt and oil, cause the alternator to lose enough efficency to act like a dead alternator?

Later tonight I plan to take it off and spray it with brake cleaner and let it dry out. Hopefully I can report back with good news

[NiSmo240luvR]

whenever you find out what it is, let me know.....ive been having a similar problem and think its my alternator but dont want to replace it if is not the problem....so whatever you find out, post back up here, good luck...thanx...