[Boatanchors] Cleaning a grungy chassis

Barry H barry_hauser at juno.com
Sun Jun 18 14:05:33 EDT 2006


Hi Glen & Gang

You say no problems, but I've read posts about a number of possible
problems caused by cleaners such as 409, Fantastik, etc.  They work
partly by ionization and contain salt-like compounds.

It probably depends on how it's used and specifics of the gear.  The
potential is that porous insulators -- phenolic and unglazed areas of
ceramic tube sockets, connectors, switch wafers, etc.  can soak up the
stuff and it may be impossible to rinse out the salts that are left
behind.  There have been stories about tube sockets and switches. 
Generally the problem shows up as arcing where there are higher
voltages (B+).

Another problem with some of these cleaners is dulling of painted
surfaces as well as bare aluminum.  If necessary, you can polish or wax
to make up for that.  Also, I have noticed with some that they dissolve
the binders in bakelite.  One time I was trying to clean up some grungy
bakelite knobs and as much as I wiped them, more dark brown came off on
the rag.  Then I noticed that the knobs were becoming rough and grainy.

At that point, you get out the fine sandpaper and then the plastic
polish or brasso to restore them, but it makes for more work.

One thing to try before resorting to harsh cleaners is plain ol' soap -
-and I mean Ivory -- not anything in a bottle or deoderant bar soap. 
Ivory is plain stearate based (fat) stuff.  Ironically, though quite
retro, I have found that it will readily clean up some grime that
resists 409 type cleaners.  Anyway, it can't hurt.  To be sure, use
Ivory only -- I don't know that there's anything else that is still
plain old soap without additives.

Another tip -- waterless hand cleaner -- like "Goop" -- but be sure to
pick up the one without abrasive -- unless you want the abrasive. 
Nowadays, most of the containers on the shelf at Pep Boys contain pumice.

Yes I do know a lot of guys routinely use 409, pressure washers, etc.
and some flush liberally with distilled water afterwards.  I even read
about those who make use of the dishwasher when She Who Must Be Obeyed
is a safe distance away. 

Whatever -- always remember two things: 1. It all depends. and 2.  YMMV

Barry



-- Glen Zook <gzook at yahoo.com> wrote:
The Formula 409 + ammonia has been used for quite some
time by boat anchor restorers and works VERY well on
metal.  I have had no problems with it.

The ammonia may have something to do with the "ion"
problem.  However, again, this combination has been
used on hundreds of boat anchors by many restorers and
there have been no problems.

On circuit boards with solid-state components I have
no idea.  But with tubes there is NO problem.

Glen, K9STH


--- Peter Burbank <nv4v at adelphia.net> wrote:

About 409......I'd avoid using that stuff on
electronic gear. I cleaned a J-38 bakelite base with
it once and that key was too conductive for grid block
keying no matter how many times I rinsed it. I suspect
that 409 has a lot of ions to scavenge grease. Later I
was chatting with one of the cal guys with all the NBS
traceable standards that calibrated our lab gear
periodically and he said his techs avoided 409 like a
plague He said "409 is a good way to trash a circuit
board"










Glen, K9STH

Web sites

http://home.comcast.net/~k9sth
http://home.comcast.net/~zcomco

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