alternator question

[xM3RKNUx]

i had a oil leak and the alternator got oil on it i dont think it went bad because when i start the car it charges the battery but if i try starting it and it doesnt start then the battery dies so will if fix that problem if i clean it or will i have to buy a new battery ?

 

[DIMONDSTAR77]

your alt. is only going to keep the batt. charged, so if you car is not starting, there is a chance that the alt. is not doing its job. but if the batt. is bad and not holding a charge then it will be the batt.. if you can get a charging system test done, i think auto zone still does it for free. that will tell you if the alt. is charging the batt. or if the batt. isn't taking a charge.

 

[gurmanator]

work with me cause i cant spell...the oil will create a film between the armatuer and the magnets in the alternator so it wont charge,antifreeze does the samething.go to the car wash and hose the alternator and let it dry.it worked for me but fix the problem before you go to the car wash.

 

[darryloake]

do not go to the car wash and powerwash your alternator that is a horrid idea and wont even work if its oil. if u have oil on ## hands does water take it off? no. unless your alt got oil soaked bad it should be fine take it to autozone or partsource and they will test your alt for u. how old is the battery? have you left your lights on or something along the lines of that until its drained completely dead many times in the past?

 

[91spoolin]

You should check voltage at the battery with the car off and cranking voltage and then running voltage. That will tell you a lot on the status of your charging system.

 

[Butterfinger]

Yeah don't wash out the alt, just have it tested at autozone, or test it yourself like said above.
Or start your car and unplug your negative battery cable, and the alt should keep it running
with all accessories off of course.

 

[knochgoon24]

there is a thing called soap

There's also cleaner made specifically for electrical parts that won't leave any residue behind. It also get any oil/dirt/antifreeze out of the it.

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