[Heathkit] Re: SB dial question

[Shawn Duley]

Thanks for the response on my question.  Now, for yours,  I had the dial
assembly apart on an SB-303 several years ago, and on the SB-401 I am
currently working on.  Nothing tricky about it.  Manual steps are pretty
clear and useful.  You will need a set of slip ring pliers to get the
one on the end of the shaft off.  Makes this part of the job real easy.
I used a doubled over pipe cleaner to clean the groves on the back of
the dial, and the nylon groove follower.  Then, a very light coat of
silicone grease applied to the grooves, again with a pipe cleaner.  Some
may say don't lube, but on the 303, the nylon groove follower was worn,
and I bought the last 2 that Heath had in 1990.  Also, on the 401, the
dial stops, visible just inside the front of the LMO, were stuck
together.  I put a couple of drops of teflon based oil from a small
precision oiler and they loosened right up.  Now very smooth.  You
should also notice the drive discs for the tuning knob shaft, and the
ring around the inside of the dial.  Clean these real well and don't
lube or they will probably slip.    Getting this piece and the small
adjustment shaft on the top right corner lined up just takes patience,
since neither can be seen with the front panel on.  For the main shaft,
I snug up the lock nut with the discs just behind the dial, then pull
the shaft forward and up and over until it catches on the dial lip.  I
found it useful to have the wrench at hand, cause there isn't enough
room to get the locknut tight enough with fingers only.

Hope this is what you're looking for.  Need anymore ifo, just email.

Shawn