Painting Altenator

[69clone]

Hey guys,
I wanted to paint my ugly altenator. Until i break down and buy a Chrome one. So i was wondering is it hard to take these things apart? I read online that you need specail tools and can break a pully? I didn't realise there would be that much work. I see 3 bolts that hold the case together, I figured it would pop it off and paint?

~Nick

 

[eagleone1983]

There are only a few bolts that hold the back side of the case to the front but internally there are tiny roller bearings and yes you would need a pulley puller to get the pulley off but you can rent these at the auto parts store.

 

[69clone]

Thanks, I think i may just hold off then. Btw my dad used to be a boom on the 135's up in Grandforks up til '03 i believe then he switched to the 10's

 

[Aussie Coronet]

Why not just buff it up with a wire brush (the electric kind)? If you find the right wire wheel, one that's not too harsh (try brass), it can make these kinds of things come up a treat. Try an older, well used brush as these generally have more 'give' in them and are less harsh on items than a new brush.

 

[scotts74birds]

Chrome gets to be a bitch. Especially if its just the "flash-chrome" chinese ****. My $.02? Glass bead it and a coat of hi-temp clear, or powder coat clear.

 

[Moparteacher]

If you paint the alternator keep a few things in mind. Paint can insulate. This isn't good for electron flow. The same amount of current that flows out of the alternator will flow into the alternator...through the case. (conventional theory)

The alternator is just an electron pump. Insulate the case and you squeeze off the pump.

Have you ever seen a factory alternator that was painted?

 

[WileE]

If you paint the alternator keep a few things in mind. Paint can insulate. This isn't good for electron flow. The same amount of current that flows out of the alternator will flow into the alternator...through the case. (conventional theory)

The alternator is just an electron pump. Insulate the case and you squeeze off the pump.

Have you ever seen a factory alternator that was painted?

Scientifically, yes. I'm not sure though, if painting just the OUTSIDE of the case would have any effect, negligible if any.

 

[69clone]

Thanks guys, I cleaned it up alittle with a wirebrush. It helped. I can't see painting it insulating it that much since it's a very open altenator, But i will keep that in mind.

 

[b5rt]

Wouldn't chrome have more insulating properties than paint? I like the idea of glass beading it and clear coat or leave it natural.

 

[Moparteacher]

I'm not talking about insulating temperature wise...I'm talking about electrically.

Try painting the battery cable ends, inside. Or paint the battery post then attach the cables and see how well the car starts.

If the alternator pumps 80 amps out the cable on the back post then it's also pulling 80 amps into the case from the bracket, cylinder head and block.

The mounting of the alternator must be bare, clean, and secured to bare metal. Same goes for the alternator bracket where it mounts to the cylinder head or block. AND the negative battery cable attachment should be the same. Ever notice on a restoration project that the engine is painted with the negative battery cable already attached?

well...best of luck

 

[WileE]

That's how they did it at the factory