[AMRadio] More WD-40

[Donald Chester]

I tried several electronic cleaners on the noisy af gain pot of my 75A-4.  
They all worked from a few days to several weeks before the noise 
reappeared.  In desperation I squirted the pot with WD-40.  It quieted down 
immediately and after several years it is still noiseless.

It is my understanding that WD-40 contains some kind of dry lubricant like 
powdered teflon, and that the penetrating oil serves as a vehicle, and soon 
evoporates, leaving the dry lubricant behind.  That is probably what the 
"residue" is.

I also recall several years ago that there was something in WD-40 that many 
people claimed relieved the pain of arthritis, and people were buying the 
stuff and spraying it on their body.  It would be absorbed by the skin and 
there was some concern that chronic use could cause liver damage.  The 
component in question was called something like DHSO, and I heard that they 
have taken it out of the product to end this "abuse", perhaps out of fear of 
liability or pressure from the prescription drug industry.

I have also heard that WD-40 may be corrosive to certain metals.

I have found it effective on switches and pots that otherwise were too far 
gone to be salvageable, but I don't routinely use it to clean contacts on 
good working components.  I do use it to smooth up the detent cams of 
switches.

Don K4KYV

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