Alternator vs. SaltWater

[FreeBeeTony]

I just replaced my alternator.......today I had a hose clamp fail on the H/E right above the alternator, drenching it w/ salt water. I was able to replace the clamp to get back to the dock then hosed the alternator off. Then later I soaked it w/ WD-40...............any hope for my new alternator?

 

[glenn property of pam]

50/50 really. As most parts like the springs had assembly grease on them and the bearing seals would have been hardly worn then it should be ok. On the other hand if murphy is aboard it could fail tomorrow even if there was no salt water bath.

 

[achris]

Sorry, saltwater will win that battle every time. The only way to have any hope of saving it would be to completely strip the alternator down and have all the parts cleaned in an ultrasonic bath. There's places like between the windings that ordinary cleaning just can't get to. Also the salt will have started to act on the slip-rings, so I would expect them to disappear fairly quickly.

Chris........