Alternator Detailing

[One Red Ride]

What are you guys doing to detail the cast metal of the alternator? I don't want to paint it or anything (no chrome or polishing), just want to restore the clean "new" look.

Anyone have a secret cleaning solution? I'm sure there's something that will remove a few years of mild neglect using a toothbrush or something without going too crazy. A mild acid or basic solution?

Post some pics if you can back up your claim...Thanks.

 

[Saleen4971]

simple green?

 

[One Red Ride]

Tried Simple Green

I tried Simple Green already, but it didn't do what I hoped it would. It left a patchy discolored look (looks "faded").

I've seen some pictures of engines (even some older 5.0L stuff) you could eat off of and the alternator on them stands out. Maybe a new alternator was just installed?

Simple Green does work well on other parts though .

 

[Turbo92PGT]

Dont flame me for saying this, but I think simple green is very over rated. I bought some of it, its not even as good as some of the other cleaners out there. I'd rather use 409 or some other kind of cleaner. I know exactly what you're talking about on your alternator. Just dull looking, kind of corroded look? Mine looks that way, so does my plenum, I wanna get that taken care of. I wish I could tell you what to use on it, but I cant. Might come down to some cleaner and steel wool if it bugs you that much. or maybe one of those metal detailing brushes. Stainless or brass, whichever =/