[NJARC] Variable Cap problem

[TrainBee]

I've been trying to find a gremlin in an RCA T-62 radio.  The variable cap is a 2 gang with each having the same capacitance value.  I can't disassemble it due to the push-button assembly on either side of it.  Using my magnifier, I can not see any contact on the blades.

Here's the problem... it is shorting when it gets just past half closed.  I get the same reading on both sides. Also, I disconnected the leads to it so nothing else will influence it.  So, aside from not having the blades short, what else could be causing it to short at exactly the same point on both sides?   I have no loose metal bits, wire, solder, etc... visible on either side.  Tonight, just to see if it would change anything, I tried compressed air to clear it out.  Still no change.  Since it shorts at exactly the same point on each side, I'm thinking it's possibly in the moving area of the shaft.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what else I could try, or to look for?  I haven't tried any chemistry on it and that would be my last resort.  If I can't clear this up, the radio will be mostly useless.

Thanks for any help you can offer.
Joe Devonshire
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