Alternator + Bench Grinder = ?????

[vex]

So I'm going to tempt fate here and post a silly question I already think I know the answer to. But here it goes anyways:

I have an FD Alt I just got in the mail. I've already broken it down into the different components and wire brushed on a bench grinder the case. They look really, really good.

Now i'm sitting here and looking at the stator. I want to do the same thing to the ring on it, but I'm thinking it's not the wisest course of action as I may damage the wires.

Is the club in agreement that it's not the wisest course of action to put a wire bush from a bench grinder to the Stator? If so how can I clean the ring?

After that I want to clean up the rotor assembly but I'm not sure what I could get away with on that. Don't think a wire brush would be the best choice. Suggestions?

[WE3RX7]

You've got me... maybe some mothers metal polish go at it by hand?

[mazda_wes]

i believe that the stator has a coating that could be damaged with the sheer heat of a wire brush. go at it by hand.

[BLKTOPTRVL]

Aren't the wires fairly thin? I would leave it be.

[vex]

Originally Posted by mazda_wes

i believe that the stator has a coating that could be damaged with the sheer heat of a wire brush. go at it by hand.

The wires are coated in varnish. I used a tooth brush and some 409 to clean that up.

Originally Posted by BLKTOPTRVL

Aren't the wires fairly thin? I would leave it be.

The wires are fairly thin, however i'm talking about the stator housing; the ring which holds all the wires where they are. I haven't put it to the brush, but about the only thing i could think of that might work reasonably well would be a dremal tool and patience.

Even then I'm hesitant as I don't know if I would have to repaint it or not. If I have to repaint it, i'd prefer not to touch it beyond what I've already done.

[vex]

Originally Posted by RotaryResurrection

The cases are aluminum, thus they will polish up fine. The metal ring that holds the windings is more like steel, thus you would not benefit from trying to polish it anyway. This is why it is always either painted or coated in a brownish coating, to prevent ugly rust. Just paint it, that's what I do when I powdercoat alternators.

Yeah, I ended up leaving it alone. Put it back together and went and had it tested at advanced. Wouldn't energize so now I'm looking at picking up some brand new parts for it to throw in it.

[vex]

Originally Posted by RotaryResurrection

was it good prior to you taking it apart?

Honestly I don't know, but I doubt it.