What is the best way to cosmetically clean an alternator? I don't want to take it apart…just a quick spruce-up of the outside. I was thinking steel wool…but I don't want little shavings to get inside.

 

I have removed them, placed them face down and hit them hard with a stiff wire brush...

 

Use a Dremel with a stiff buffer for cleaning, then a little metal polish using a less aggressive buffer. It will come out like new. Won't even have to remove it if you don't want to. I tend to use this method on everything the different buffers available let you get to all the nooks & grannies everywhere on the car, removes rust, grease, you name it. Some say it's a little slow going I say if it's for yourself where's the fire. Results are the bottom line. I would like to be able to use my arms when I'm 65, so I let the Dremel do the heavy scrubbing.

 

Degrease the case with something that is water soluble. Use muratic acid with care. It will brighten the case up but not disturb the finish of the aluminum.

 

I use the wire brushes that are at the dollar tents and tables at swap meets. Like the others are saying, a little time consuming, but..........