Cleaning Pulleys

[JHZR2]

Doing a belt job, found that my AC compressor wasnt mounted exactly right, and that plus an older loose belt meant some slipping.

You can see the discolored material in this pic:

And on this belt:

Not convinced this is rust. Rather some belt residue, perhaps oxidized or reacted with the metal.

Regardless of what it is, whats the best bet for cleaning prior to installation of new belts?

Thanks!

 

[andyd]

How long has the car been sitting? That looks like the barest amount of moisture between the belt and the bare metal pulley.

 

[Donald]

I have had issues with rusty pulleys. Used a drill mounted plastic mesh paint stripper. Worked great.

 

[thescreensavers]

Originally Posted by Donald
I have had issues with rusty pulleys. Used a drill mounted plastic mesh paint stripper. Worked great.


Did you paint it again? Seems like stripping will just make it rust again.

 

[Trav]

It is rust. Just scuff with a red scotchbrite, a little dish soap and water then rinse and blow dry. You use water with it so there is no dust from the pad anywhere near the engine, overly cautious, you bet. That stuff will damage an engine if ingested through the air filter or crankcase vent system, no filter will stop it, the water nullifies that when used externally.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted by andyd
How long has the car been sitting? That looks like the barest amount of moisture between the belt and the bare metal pulley.


It hasn't been run all winter. It hasn't seen any elements either... maybe some condensation.

Originally Posted by Trav
It is rust. Just scuff with a red scotchbrite, a little dish soap and water then rinse and blow dry. You use water with it so there is no dust from the pad anywhere near the engine, overly cautious, you bet. That stuff will damage an engine if ingested through the air filter or crankcase vent system, no filter will stop it, the water nullifies that when used externally.


Thanks. Will do. Rust seems odd because the pulleys have a great, thick, smooth black paint on them.

Wonder if loose belts caused slippage and damage to the coating in certain spots?

 

[Trav]

Sure, a little bubble in the decades old paint will get knocked off and allow rust to form in seasonal vehicles. This sort of thing is common with cars stored over part of the year.

 

[Dinoburner]

Scotchbrite is a good idea also 600 grit paper will break up glazing from slipping belts.