Stock Alternator Removed, Any Maintenance I Can Do?

[Blue Bomber]

I just yanked my alternator so I could gain access to change my thermostat. It's kinda crusty, so I'm gonna clean it, but is there anything else I can do to it that will help extend its life or make it perform a bit better (besides getting it rewound)?

[wingless]

The only wear item on an alternator is the brush set. Please do not remove the brushes until they have worn out.

The only factor that affects the life of the alternator is heat. The windings, rectifiers and regulator all have decreased life as heat increases. So, if anything is obstructing the cooling vents, not likely, then clear the obstruction.

The alternator will provide the rated output, unless internal components are used with higher rating, or if pulleys are changed to rob more engine power by spinning it faster. A higher output alternator, spinning at the same speed, will also rob more engine power, nothing is for free. Also, spinning it faster will wear out the brushes quicker and increase the heat to damage the other components faster.

[zapcocelica]

Upgrade the charge lead to 1/0 ga wire. Less resistance can't hurt and your already there.