[R-390] Simple Green and best RF deck lube (was Audio resistors?)

[Walter Wilson]

> > OH boy - I'll bet you've opened a can of worms here.
> > 73,
> > Al, W8UT

<snip>

> My personal favorite can of worms on the list is the cat urine thread,
which
> also includes cats sleeping on warm radios. I don't think we ever
determined
> the best lubricant for RF deck gears or if Simple Green is okay to use for
> cleaning.
>
>
> Barry

Now you really have opened a can of worms.  But just to get the can open and
spread out a bit, let's start with this:

1. Simple Green is great for cleaning purposes, but only if you're washing
it off afterwards with a water hose.  Don't spray it on and rub off with a
paper towel.  It has a funny smell if you leave some behind, and the
long-term effects on the aluminum surface has been questioned.  Yes it
cleans well, but get it off the aluminum afterwards.

2. Best RF gear lube?  There may be several brands here that will serve
equally well, but here's the best I've found so far.  a) For the slug rack
bearings and anything needing "oil", I use a 50:50 mix of Marvel Mystery Oil
(penetrating oil) and Mobil 1 synthetic.  The penetrating oil seems to help
the Mobil 1 get to where it needs to be.  b) For the items needing heavier
grease (detent wheel, bearing slides, slug rack sliding plates, camshaft
surfaces) I have settled on Phil Wood waterproof grease, which is made for
the bikes.  After a recent experience where I had tried several greases
(Lubriplate plus other stuff lying around), another list member recommended
the Phil Wood grease.  I was amazed at the difference this seemed to make.

I'm sure there are lots of other "can of worms" topics out there.  Best
primer for aluminum before painting?  Whether the antenna balance adjustment
makes any difference? [it does ;-)]  Is it best to leave the power on 24x7?
(where's Nolan)

Walter Wilson - KK4DF
http://www.knology.net/~wewilson
(REAL Radios: R-390A(x5), R-390(x2), Viking II, Ranger, Thunderbolt, KWM-2A)