[Johnson] Ranger VFO Tuning Fix?

[WQ9E at btsnetworks.net]

Niel,

I have never had one completely freeze but extremely stiff and/or "crunchy" tuning is a common problem due to dry and dirty lubricant in the ball reduction drive.  You will need to pull it out, clean out the old lubricant, and re-lubricate.  Be careful not to loose the individual ball bearings.  I believe there are three (maybe four) side mounted and there usually is one more as the thrust bearing at the end of the shaft.  I have gone through many of these and some have the end thrust bearing as part of the shaft instead of using a separate ball.

Work over a large container so it will catch any bearings that fall out although they are standard size so any bearing house should have replacements.  I use WD-40 to clean/cut through the old grease and then wipe dry with a clean paper towel.  Make sure to get all of the old grease out of the shaft recess area and a cotton tip will prove useful here.

The new grease will help hold the bearings in place as you assemble it. I use the same synthetic chassis grease for this as I do for my truck and tractor grease joints but any good grease will do.  Don't use the Lubriplate stuff or similar however because it isn't the sort of long life lube you want for this job.  When you screw the two halves of the reduction drive back together you want it tight enough that it will transfer torque without slipping but avoid overdoing it as this will cause the drive to be stiff and will result in more rapid wear. 

While you have the reduction drive loose, turn the capacitor in the VFO.  If it seems extremely stiff then you need to lubricate it but that probably won't be necessary.  However while you have the case off lubricate the cam and switch shaft used to change VFO ranges and if you haven't already replaced the dropping resistor for the VR tube (inside the VFO) now is the time to do so with a same value but higher wattage replacement.

Rodger WQ9E

-------- Original Message --------
> From: Niel Wiegand <nielwiegand at aggienetwork.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 2:24 PM
> To: Johnson at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Johnson] Ranger VFO Tuning Fix?
> 
> The VFO tuning on my Ranger has froze up. I suspect bearing or vernier 
> lubricant has solidified.
> 
> How deep am I going to have to go to fix this? Does the VFO cover need 
> to come off? What's the best way to get things unstuck? I had thought a 
> little alcohol in the right place would do it but first I need to get to 
> the right place.
> 
> 73,
> Niel - W0VLZ
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