Cleaning alternator terminals

[Grumpydev]

The terminals on one of my alternators are a little corroded, which I suspect is what's giving me an intermittent alarm when running at low revs. My intention is to take each terminal off in turn, clean it with a wire brush and some contact cleaner, then re-attach; what do I need to disconnect to do this safely? It's the port alternator, which has its own separate starter battery, so I'm thinking I just need to disconnect that one (either physically or isolate it if there's a switch, haven't actually traced the cables to check yet)

It's a Sealine S34 with KAD32s if that helps for specifics.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Remove the negative battery cables.

 

[Grumpydev]

Remove the negative battery cables.

Just for the starter battery for that engine right?

 

[PaulRainbow]

Just for the starter battery for that engine right?

Just for the starter battery for that engine right?

As long as no other battery is connected in any way. Can always check with a multimeter between the alternator positives and negative.

 

[Momac]

Perhaps consider removing the spades from the alternator and fit new ring connectors on the wires .

 

[Momac]

PS I had one of the spade fittings snap off resulting in tachometer stopped in case which was probably a fatigue thing. Mind you all the others have been okay . Also its kad32's
I hope its an easy fix.

 

[Grumpydev]

PS I had one of the spade fittings snap off resulting in tachometer stopped in case which was probably a fatigue thing. Mind you all the others have been okay . Also its kad32's
I hope its an easy fix.

It works, but occasionally goes nuts, and I have an intermittent voltage alarm at lower rpms, although it seems to be charging just fine.

 

[jon and michie]

could be one of the spade connectors - maybe worth Checking First

 

[Grumpydev]

When you say it might be one of the spade connectors, do you mean its coming off the wire so that's where the dodgy contact is, rather than the corrosion on the terminal?

 

[jon and michie]

Yes it could be the wire at the Spade connector or the Connector itself. - what I am saying is before you go to the hassle of removing the Alternator etc check the condition of these first.

 

[Grumpydev]

I wasn't planning on taking it off, just each terminal in turn in-situ - I'll see if I can trace the wires to do a connectivity test first though - thanks

 

[jon and michie]

you would be surprised that a connector is hanging on by a thread but due to the atmosphere where the "crack is" it will start to corrode hence intermittent alarm.
yes by all means wire brush the connectors on the alternator and when connected back up dab a bit of vaseline on them helps protect from any water from the strainer above when that is checked.
Jon