I went mudding about a week ago and got into some stuff a little on the gnarly side (ie buried tree trunks/rocks) that I hit pretty hard. This week my jeep has had issues starting. It will either start and run for 2-3 seconds and die, or just not start. After cranking for a few seconds at about 3-5 seconds, then waiting for 1-2, it starts right up and goes like nothing happened. I looked at the alternator as part of my troubleshooting and noticed it is still caked in mud. I was thinking of removing it and washing it out and letting it air dry for a few days to get all the dirt out. Does anyone have any experience with having done this? Or any other possible ideas as to what might be wrong?

 

Washing an alternator (as in using water) would make me nervous. Any chance you could brush the heavier stuff off then give it a final spray cleaning with a can of electrical cleaner?

 

You can hit it with you hose, I would let it dry for a bit before firing up the engine though. Electrical contact cleaner could help after you get all the mud you can out of there. Whatever you do, don't let any oil in there, even WD40. Oil does not conduct electricity and it will pretty much ruin your alternator.

 

You can wash it in place. Best thing to do would be remove it, take it apart and brush it (to get the majority of the dirt out) then give it a rinse. Water can't really hurt anything inside it, especially when it isn't in use.

 

I soak the thing down with a pressure washer. with it running... cleans her right up.

 

Man, every time I've gotten an alternator soaking wet I end up having to replace it. Usually because the bearing start screeching. I see others have had better luck.

 

I've seen too many alternators fail because of water intrusion. I don't recommend it. Can you "sometimes" get away with it? Sure. Do you feel lucky?

Troubleshoot your alternator to see if it is working. With a meter at the battery, you should see about 13.5 to 14.0 volts give or take a bit with a good battery and healthy charging system.

If it's working, pick the chunks off and let it be.