[Heathkit] SB-200 Question - Seeking advice - WORKING

[Drew P.]

Scott wrote:

[snipped]

"Many folks emailed saying the WD-40 will leave a gummy mess behind that is going to collect grime and dust.? I had not anticipated this so this evening I will soak down the detent mechanism in alcohol, dry it out, then appy the next set of advice, penetrating oil. Stopped off at the Ace on the way home from errands and picked up a bottle of penetrating oil.? After I clean the WD-40 out of the?bushing?I'll apply it to the front shaft and let it wick up, then apply some into the detent mechanism to get some down into the barrel of the bushing, then finish off with lubing the detent balls with Lubriplate.? ?Most folks said the penetrating oil would likely do a better job of breaking the corrosion than WD-40.? Plus they said the penetrating oil is actually 'oil' rather than petroleum distillates and other mystery stuff."

I third the motion of PB Blaster as the penetrant of choice.  There is, however, a problem with penetrating oil when used as a long-term lubricant: penetrating oil tends to gum up also.  After a mechanism has been freed, it would be best to use a lubricant less likely to gum.  Synthetic motor oil works fairly well in that regard.

Drew