got a used alternator after mine quit working id like to clean it up and maybe even paint it. Whats the best way to do that without hurting it or taking it apart thanks
Paint and Chrome are enemies to many things... Both causes alt and other electronic parts to run hotter. Aluminum case is the Heat Sink for Alt Regulator and Diodes, Many types of ICM, etc. Paint/Chrome act as thermal insulation reduces air getting to cool the heatsink.
Clean but try to keep crap from going inside the alt. Crap gets into it can be metal etc and may work dry but have problems when alt is wet.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
Disassembly is the best way if you're going to paint the case. I am not sure otherwise how the case can be prepped properly when assembled, and then how overspray can be avoided if painting the alternator assembled.
For cleaning: I would suggest degreaser on the outside (such as the aluminium-safe version of Simple Green), let it sit, then scrub with a brush. Rinse with water. If available, blow out water with compressed air.
Then, bake the alternator in the oven at the lowest temperature setting for an hour or so to dry everything out. My oven went down to 180°F, so that's the temperature I used.
if you are going to paint it, paint it VERY lightly. any thickness to the paint like the ogre said will add thermal insulation. more thermal insulation is bad new bears.
you could always disassemble, sand and polish the outer casing. It would require some effort but you could get it to shine like chrome. It wont last for ever as it will eventually oxidize to a dull gray again but it can be done. And you can always re -polish it when it does.
If you polish the housing resist the urge to clear coat the housing as it will once again add thermal insulation.
Guys, the question was how to clean it up without taking it apart. And as for paint adding a thermal layer.... well, yes, but this would not be significant. Even coatings which are claimed to provide insulation, reflect heat, etc only yield about a 30 degree temperature change. A thin coat of paint, which has no heat retaining/reflecting properties isn't going to significantly change the internal temp of the alternator.
Guys, the question was how to clean it up without taking it apart. And as for paint adding a thermal layer.... well, yes, but this would not be significant. Even coatings which are claimed to provide insulation, reflect heat, etc only yield about a 30 degree temperature change. A thin coat of paint, which has no heat retaining/reflecting properties isn't going to significantly change the internal temp of the alternator.
I had an alt on a truck once that looked nasty and it just didn't want to get clean with conventional means. I took an aluminum color paint like this, put a rubber glove on my hand, and then an old sock on that, sprayed the paint onto the sock in a concentrated area so it was wet, and then wiped it on the alt. Its a good way to paint it lightly without a mess, dries real fast too.
I had an alt on a truck once that looked nasty and it just didn't want to get clean with conventional means. I took an aluminum color paint like this, put a rubber glove on my hand, and then an old sock on that, sprayed the paint onto the sock in a concentrated area so it was wet, and then wiped it on the alt. Its a good way to paint it lightly without a mess, dries real fast too.
thats what I was thinking I noticed those foam paint brushes do pretty well as well spraying on it then on rub on alternator
I had an alt on a truck once that looked nasty and it just didn't want to get clean with conventional means. I took an aluminum color paint like this, put a rubber glove on my hand, and then an old sock on that, sprayed the paint onto the sock in a concentrated area so it was wet, and then wiped it on the alt. Its a good way to paint it lightly without a mess, dries real fast too.
I use both the cast aluminum spray and the cast iron spray. They both cover fast so you dont need a lot. I used them on all my show cars and street cars without any problems at all. The cast iron still will burn off exhaust manifolds...hi heat makes no difference.