[GreenKeys] Cleaning Model 15 Teletypes

[John Nagle]

> Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:54:03 -0500
> From: "John McClung" <john at johnmcclung.com>
> Subject: [GreenKeys] Model 15 KSR from Italy,Texas
> Picked it up today. Looks complete from what I can tell from my limited
> knowledge just reading documents that I have found online..
> 
> Looks like it was a home for mice. There is some rust inside but not too
> much.
> 
> What is a good solvent and technique to use for cleaning?

    I have a web page on Model 15 refurbishing:

	http://www.aetherltd.com/refurbishing.html

    I recommend Simple Green, which is a widely available mild
solvent.  Other than the motor and the selector magnet, everything
in a Model 15 can be immersed in mild solvents.  This is easier
and safer than using kerosene as a solvent, and Simple Green is
biodegradable, so you can just pour it down the drain when you're done.
It evaporates, so you can just let the units dry out; you don't have to
rinse.

    There is a proper lubrication procedure, and it's in the manual.
See

http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/teletype/138_Model15_Adj_Oct41.pdf

There are hundreds of oiling points, but with the right tools, it
only takes about an hour.  You really do need to follow the instructions.
Some of the lubrication is non-obvious, like refilling the felt inside
the main camshaft.

    I use Valvoline 5-20W synthetic motor oil, which doesn't gunk up.
A pint of this is a few dollars and can be obtained at big parts stores.
For the grease points, I originally used white lithium grease, but I've
switched to Lucas Sticky Red Grease, because the lithium grease wouldn't
stay on the gears well enough.

    If you have to replace the wiring, bear in mind that the original wiring
contains asbestos.

				John Nagle