[ARC5] BC-348 Tuning Backlash

[David Stinson]

While we're discussing the BC-348,
let's address the most common problem with them:
tuning backlash.

The tuning in a 348 uses a whole series of 
"split-with-tensioning-spring" anti-backlash gears. 
Over the decades, oil, grease and dirt get
between the halves of the gears and disable the
feature.  The springs also get "wimpy."
I've used a heat gun and penetrating oil
on the gears to flush out the old, coagulated 
grease film with some success.  

You can use the tip of a jeweler's screwdriver
inserted between two teeth to flex the halves
by twisting it back and forth.  The halves should 
spring back without resistance after you tension them
with the screwdriver.  If not, you still have gunk
between them and backlash. I've also carefully
re-tensioned a couple of the springs 
(and spent a wonderful afternoon crawling around
on the floor after one of them went 
"SPROOOOOOING" and vanished into the black hole
into which all dropped hardware finds its way).

Removing all the gears for a proper cleaning and
re-lubing would be a nightmare which few of us
could or should attempt.  I certainly wouldn't.

What have you done to address this problem?
What has worked and what hasn't?

73 Dave S.

p.s.  Just douching everything down with WD=40
don't work so good.  Been there ;-)