Did I screw-up cleaning Alternator with Carb. Spray?

I doubt any damage was done. To be sure go to your local Auto-Zone or similar and have them check it out. Only takes a minute.

 

The only possible problem you can have is washing the grease out of the front and rear bearings. I believe these are sealed so it may not be a problem but if the seals are a little worn you may have brake cleaner in there. You can't tell because they will feel ok when spun by hand. So you can take the chance that its ok or you can replace the bearings. Your choise

 

A lot depends on the insulation used for the wiring.

 

In general, the only safe solvent to use to degrease alternator & other electric motor wiring is mineral spirits (a common hw store paint thinner.)

Gasolene & kerosene leave lacquer like deposits that often cause problems.

Lacquer thinner, brake, carb, & even some automotive 'electrical' cleaners can literally dissolve the insulation on the wires.

You may be OK tho. If you had a lot of oil in your alternator, it probly saved your wiring by diluting the carb cleaner enough so it wasnt concentrated enough to eat the insulation away.

Alternator bearings are pretty well sealed, & even if some solvent gets inside, it's usually not enough to wash the grease out. However, the seals are usually plastic that isn't too resistant to carb & brake cleaner.


Take it to AutoZone or a BOSCH alt rebuilder & have them test it. Alternatively, reinstall it & if it runs OK for a few minuites, you probably got away with it.