Alternator soaked with oil - How to clean?

[DrJeff]

I pulled the alternator tonight (as part of my ongoing project to take apart as many bits of the car at one time as I can). I had spotted previously that it was showing oil at the bottom of the alternator and I assumed that it was oil from a leaking timing cover. While the cover may have been leaking, the oil on the bottom of the alternator was very thick and sticky.

25954

The alternator has been working fine, so I'm wondering if there is a way to clean it?

[DMCMW Dave]

I pulled the alternator tonight (as part of my ongoing project to take apart as many bits of the car at one time as I can). I had spotted previously that it was showing oil at the bottom of the alternator and I assumed that it was oil from a leaking timing cover. While the cover may have been leaking, the oil on the bottom of the alternator was very thick and sticky.

25954

The alternator has been working fine, so I'm wondering if there is a way to clean it?

That isn't oil. It's the melted potting compound (a sort of plastic) from the internal voltage regulator. Means that its been running hot. May last a long time more, may not.

[David T]

That isn't oil. It's the melted potting compound (a sort of plastic) from the internal voltage regulator. Means that its been running hot. May last a long time more, may not.

That stuff is hard to clean, it isn't affected by solvents. It gets into the brushholders and keeps the brushes from making good contact. This may be a good time to replace the alternator otherwise it will fail without warning when you need it the most.