Alternator 70-72

[lyndon Sharpton]

My alternator works fine, it has a light powder on it I guess a aluminum rust. with out taking it apart what could I use to clean it up to look respectable?

[Jack H.]

Re: Alternator 70-72

If the aluminum case is simply normally oxide surface coated from age, consider removing the alternator (you want to do this to electrically disconnect it AND move the job out of the engine compartment) and taking it to a sink. Use the ALUMINUM form of Naval Gel (blue bottle) and follow the mfgr's recommendations using small brushes (an ordinary toothbrush works pretty good) to scrub the gel into exterior surface pores of the casting and rinse with cold running water.

You might have to repeat the process several times to get the exterior housing back to original brilliance without scrubbing so hard you begin to distrub the casting's original surface 'skin'....

Most hardware stores stock the steel/iron form of Naval Gel (red bottle), but don't carry the aluminum form due to low public demand. Sometimes you'll get lucky and find the aluminum version on the shelf, but typically you have to ask the store manager to order it in for you.

Last, don't worry about 'hurting' the alternator with this mild acid + the rinse water. They're hearty critters and if it weren't for electrical interconnect consideration, you could actually run them underwater! But, be safe and when you're done and you've fully rinsed the alt clean, let it air dry before re-installation. Good luck!

[Gary S.]

Re: Alternator 70-72

As Jack says, the Aluminum Jelly is a nice thing to keep around your garage. I have used it to clean up valve covers and alternators. I will caution you though to go slow. Start with an application of a few seconds, say at the bottom of the alternator then rise it off thoroughly and inspect it. Keep experimenting with te amount of time that the Jelly is on the case until you find the right amount of time necessary to clean it up. Once you have completed the job, rinse, rinse, rinse.

I have been using Naval and Aluminum Jelly for quite a while and really like how it works. If you are careful you should be pleasantly surprised at the results.
Gary