How do I de-rust an old electric motor?

I have an old e-motor that I pulled out of an old style kid's electric car. You know, one of those cars that little kids can drive around in your yard. I have no idea what they are called. Any way, this motor is probably 5-10 years old and has spent most of its time outside. The outside of the motor is all rusted up but from what I can see, the inside still looks nice with no rust. Any ideas/suggestions on how to remove the rust?

Comments

[iceng]

Are you trying make it run or look nice...

A kids yard car is probably a DC motor with brushes and a commutator
and sleeve bronze bearings.

You don't want any scrapings to get into the commutator or brush slides.
dirt and conductive particles can really screw up this kind of motor.

Avoid loose rust and iron filings from entering any air cooling holes,
If the end bells are where rust is to be removed, try to take them off
for cleaning and reassemble them after they are clean.

If its a sealed motor just avoid liquids from compromising the innards.

A

[rickharris]

I wouldn't if it is working. A coat of rust preventative paint should be OK - Hammerite in the UK

http://www.hammerite.co.uk/index.jsp

[Burf]

A wire brush on a bench grinder would be my choice but a hand held wire brush and sandpaper would work, just slower.

[zaronas]

wd-40 when it is unconnected from the power source and steel wool or a cloth maybe sandpaper, just some abrasive surface to help remove it