Can you clean an Alternator?

[s13rookie]

I just pulled the motor out of my s14. The timing chain broke and put a few holes in the motor so my entire engine bay is coated with a thick layer of old oil and grime. I cleaned the engine bay already, but my question is about the alternator.

The alt. was so caked with gunk you couldnt tell there were any slits in the casing. Has anyone cleaned the alt before? If so, what did you use. I was planning on pulling of the casing and cleaning that separately, but what can be used on the internals? I use an orange-based degreaser-is that safe for copper?

Thanks,
Matt

[koukimonster139]

dude seriously the time your gonna spend taking that apart and cleaning it all meticulously like, it would be better off to just get a new one.

[projectRDM]

A can of carb cleaner will do it in 45 seconds.

[gotta240]

i usually use carb. cleaner or brake cleaner... Not sure if its "safe" or not.

[projectRDM]

More than safe, better than water and detergent, even though an alternator by design can withstand water intrusion. After all it is outside under the hood.

[s13rookie]

Thanks for the replies. Im going to go the carb cleaner route. I just did not want to toss just because it was "dirty".

Thanks

[floodo1]

i'd just go with electric contact cleaner, should cut the grime well enough