[Boatanchors] Dishwasher cleaning

[rrkrr]

I've done this, and it's useful when the radio is really grimy - but 
think a bit first about what might get damaged.
The dishwasher will remove most old silkscreened printing inks, 
particularly those that were used to adhere to glass or plastic 
(dials/meters).
If the front panel has silkscreened lettering, I would take it off the 
radio.
Meter movements should not be subjected to this.
Any wax paper capacitors that aren't already bad will be no good after 
this treatment.
Some thin/soft (and formerly pliable) plastics may warp or crack.  The 
SX-28 bandswitch knob is an example. (< From experience > you have been 
warned...)
Bakelite knobs will clean nicely.
I've not had any trouble with IF cans with wax coated coils.  Sometimes 
the wax gets a bit cloudy on the surface, but this can be cured with a 
heat gun if you are that particular.
I usually take the radio right out of the dishwasher and put it in the 
oven at 220 deg F for 4 hours or so afterward to dry thoroughly.   This 
is no hotter than the inside of many vacuum tube radios during 
operation.   I use a convection oven that has an internal fan blowing to 
keep the temperature even.  Be sure to put something under the radio to 
catch drips (wax/oil).
I've run several radios with open frame power transformers/chokes 
through this treatment and they worked fine afterward.  I would say it's 
particularly important to get these dry before trying to operate them.

Bob
K4ERR


Joe Roth wrote:
>    Under what conditions can/should someone use the kitchen dishwasher to
>         clean a radio chassis? Or should it be avoided at all costs?
>        I've got a real grimmy (dust/grease) one with nicotine stains.
>                                     Joe
>                                 www.wc4r.com
>                               www.rothweb.net
>                            www.williamsburgwx.com
> _______________________________________________
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