cleaning the alternator

[ceniack]

just a quick question (i know this probably sounds weird and anal retentive) but i am in the process of cleaning/painting my engine while it is out of the car, and was just curious if any of you know of a good way to clean up the alternator (mainly the outside casing, but the inside would be nice to clean as well).

also going to clean the starter, any suggestions on that?

-terry

[davidricardo86]

Hmmmm... yes interesting. The way i would go about it would be by disassembling the starter/alternator. Try and remove as much of the the key internals like the armature, brushes, bearings, etc. or vice versa for the other. Remove anything that can be removed and try to cover what cant be removed or find a way to not let it get paint overspray.

Actually i think i might try this myself since you brought it up.

[nocwage]

On a side note, if our alternator dies which one do we replace it with??

[davidricardo86]

I would have it rebuilt. Take it to a place that still rebuilds alternators and starters. Allthough these places dont exist in large numbers, some are still available. They will replace some of the common wear components inside like the armature and brushes.

That or try and find a way to get your hands on a new or rebuilt one.

[mrzabala]

Before you do any cleaning and such. Have the starter tested and if possible the alternater too. If there good than a good way to clean the outside casting is simple green. As for internals of the starter you want to be careful if you take it apart since its harder to put everything back together do to the magnets and the coils inside. I just used a shop towel to clean the inside then used a brush to take out any of the grim off in the corners. Then I think I used a spray lube on some of the parts but its been awhile. Goodluck with yours.

[NismoGreg]

I used some electronic parts cleaner in a spray can from autozone and it cleaned my alternator pretty good.

[bentvalves]

I had mine rebuilt, and in the process, it was glass beaded. Looks brand new again, im pumped.

[ceniack]

how much did it cost to have it rebuilt?