Due to the location of the oil leaks and the position of the alternator on my E60, the alternator is pretty well soaked in motor oil. I'm fixing the oil leaks (oil filter housing and oil cooler gaskets), but what do I do about cleaning out the oil that's made its way into the alternator?
Given how fast it spins, there probably isn't actually any oil in it.
You won't hurt it any by hosing it down with whatever degreasing chemicals you use to clean the engine.
I've taken apart Corvair alternators and cleaned then with brake cleaner. I always made sure not to spray it into the bearings.
pull the alternator out and hold it at various angles to allow as much oil as possible to run out... then shoot the outside with brake cleaner.
Super Clean will not attack the coating on the windings.
If you use spray cleaner use electrical type.
bentwrench wrote: Super Clean will not attack the coating on the windings. If you use spray cleaner use electrical type.
THIS!!!!! very important not to use something that dissolves the coating on the windings!!!
Unless there really is a reason to think you have extreme amounts of oil in it I would just use shop rags and a little brake clean. If the innards are working ok I would be inclined not to mess with it to much.
I'm in agreement here. I'd use contact cleaner or electric degreaser. I use CRC brand, can be gotten at my local ace hardware. It won't attack the insulated bits and dries without leaving a conductive or flammable residue.
dean1484 wrote:bentwrench wrote: Super Clean will not attack the coating on the windings. If you use spray cleaner use electrical type.THIS!!!!! very important not to use something that dissolves the coating on the windings!!! Unless there really is a reason to think you have extreme amounts of oil in it I would just use shop rags and a little brake clean. If the innards are working ok I would be inclined not to mess with it to much.
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