High output alternator

[mbeach]

In the industry, that dark brown stuff is referred to as "gunk" (or mung, if it is moist). Seriously...
The aluminum is porous, and any oil will seek into the microscopic nooks and crannies and 'stain' the surface. It is generally harmless, and if it bothers you it can be 'baked off' in an oven.
The oxidation (white crust) on your aluminum bits will protect the parts. Scraping it off will just allow more of the aluminum to convert itself through corrosion. Anodizing is aluminum oxide. It's tough and protective, though in it's natural formation, ugly. Either leave it, or anodize it if you want it to be pretty.

As for the rust on your metal (steel) bits, it's natural, and may be cleaned up and sprayed with a rust converting primer. I have rust spots all over my VX due to a hack-job break in attempt (hanger marks through the paint all over the door frames, finally culminating with a screwdriver pryjob on the passenger door handle). Now that the weather's drying out, I'll be touching up these spots with said rust converting primer. Available at any auto supply store. I'll seal the job with Krylon or Undercoating or truck bed liner (depending on the location). No big deal, especially on the underside of the truck where rust prevention was never a factory concern (galvanizing is only used on body panels, and only lasts until the surface is compromised -scratched).

Sorry to go off track on the thread. I hate to see people stress out over a little bit of (unavoidable) corrosion.

[Maugan_VX]

the only reason I was kind of "stressed out" over it is because the underside of my trooper didn't have a speck of "rust" or "gunk" or "mung" on it after 10+ years in existence.

[mbeach]

I didn't mean to imply that you were worried about the rust, I just wanted to settle some minds that a little corrosion is natural and acceptable.

EDIT: Everytime I think of corrosion, I'm reminded of this thread from my nasioc days. It's a funny read, here's the start (courtesy of BrianH):

Tough Life decision...what to do?

I need some advice on what could be a life changing decision.

I've suspected for some time now that my girlfriend has been having an affair. The usual signs. Phone rings, I answer, someone hangs up. She started going out 'with the girls' a lot recently although when I ask which girls it is always "Just some friends from work, you don't know them". I always look out for her taxi coming home but she always walks down the drive although I can hear a car setting off. As if she has got out of the car round the corner. Why? Is it not a taxi? I once picked her mobile up just to see what time it was and she went beserk and screamed that I should never touch her phone again and why was I checking up on her.

Anyway, I have never approached the subject with my g/f. I think deep down I just didn't want to know the truth but last night she went out again and I decided to check on her. I decided I was going to hide behind my car which would give me a view of the whole street so I could see which car she gets out of. It was whilst crouched behind my car that I noticed rust around my rear wheel arch.

Should I take it into a body repair shop or should I buy some stuff from the local auto shop and try to repair it myself?

[Heraclid]

LOL! That's pretty good. :-) I once heard a great name for girls like that, but it would never clear the censors.

Well I'm glad I'm not having the rust problem yet even though I've dunked the VX a bit in the past. It's probably due to living where they never salt the roads. The alternator is not corroded, if for no other reason than I trashed the first one and so this one is relatively new. :-)

I've noticed some vehicles stay looking new and clean and shiny on the underside, an example being my Dad's Honda Pilot. Is there some sort of process they use at the factory to do that, and if so, what?

[Swordy]

Well,, if Rickster doesn't reply, I found a link on his Soundjamz website to a place called Mr.Alternator. The guy there says that he can get them for us. I'll wait a few days to see if he replies first.

Sherlock Fn Holmes

[Swordy]

We want alternators rickkkkkk

[Moncha]

I've noticed some vehicles stay looking new and clean and shiny on the underside, an example being my Dad's Honda Pilot. Is there some sort of process they use at the factory to do that, and if so, what?

My secret is lying on my back in the drive with very little clothing on and using little scrub brushes.. Neighbors think I'm nuts!

[Green Dragon]

My secret is lying on my back in the drive with very little clothing on and using little scrub brushes.. Neighbors think I'm nuts!

If you do that at Moab, I will spray you with LINEX.

Bob

[SPAZZ]

dude...like I told you on the phone, if he gets money he will pay attention...but, if you are not sure then just straight up call Mr alternator. That was who he got my alternator from (160 amp, powder coated, with micro pulley) is Mr alternator. So, go straight to the source. Time is ticking way too fast.