[Boatanchors] Cleaning and

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On 4/28/05, StephenTetorka at cs.com <StephenTetorka at cs.com> wrote:
> I used Simple Green in a wash down method.
> It cleaned very well.
> It also wetted my trans internals and rusted my toggle switch internals requiring replacement.
> Otherwise, not bad.

I suspect that would also be true of plain water left on surfaces or 
forced into places by high pressure jets like those used in
dishwashers.

As yourselves something: would you put a plugged-in radio into the
dishwasher for cleaning? No? Why not? Well, because there's
electricity going alllll through it!

The fact that there is no power applied does not mean the water won't
reach the same areas and cause potential damage. Other than something
mechanical like a gear train for the R-390* family of receivers or a
cabinet, I can't think of many things I'd spray or otherwise immerse
in water. WD-40 is pretty cheap and works pretty well for these
things.

Washing, cleaners, and anything else should be applied only with a
healthy amount of common sense. Chemicals should be cut/diluted before
use, and even water should be kept from any electrical circuit whether
it be a coil, transformer, or porrous carbon resistor.

Baking in an oven will only help if the moisture has a means of
escape. It's an old trick many of us have used for years before
applying power to old transformers, for example.

I've used Simple Green with absolutely no problems, but only in
diluted form and only washed well from the area. Soap and water work
well too, same cavets apply. I've also damaged paint with
Fantastik/409 heavy duty type cleaners, so I only use those as a last
resort - and VERY sparingly. Most things clean up well with simple
Windex and elbow grease. Windex is a lot less likely to harm paint,
but every chemical cleaner needs a certain amount of respect.

Long and short of it is: there is no 'one way' to do it. It's not like
washing your car, there is no quick fix. Anyone who has been restoring
gear for any length of time knows that, like anything else, there are
many different tools at your disposal. Use them well and you'll have
overall good results. Use them foolishly and blame no one but yourself
for the damage.

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ