[R-390] Cleaning modules

[David C. Hallam]

I wonder about the use of ammonia to clean modules containing copper wiring,
etc.  Ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) will react with copper to form an ammonia
copper complex that can be identified by a dark blue color.  As long as it's
completely removed rinsing nothing should be harmed.  Noting Roy Morgan's
comments about Simple Green and aluminum, a similar condition might exist
with ammonia and copper.

David
KC2JD/4

> -----Original Message-----
> From: r-390-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:r-390-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Barry Williams
> Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 11:25 AM
> Cc: R-390 at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [R-390] Cleaning modules
>
>
> Ammonia works well too. I found it to work better when restoring an old
> Fisher 800B receiver unit.
>
>
> Barry
>
>
> > At 08:19 PM 11/2/2007, you wrote:
> >> Simple Green?  Is it a common cleaning product?
> >
> > Jon, and would-be Simple Green users,
> >
> > Yes, it is a common cleaning product. And no, you really should not
> > use Simple Green:
> >
> > The Army aviation repair establishment published a maintenance note in
> > their magazine oriented toward aircraft mechanics to the effect that
> > Simple Green had been tested and shown to create corrosion in aluminum.
> >
> > A couple of observations:
> >  - We may think we are rinsing well, but some of the cleaner may still
> > be deep inside crevices and between parts that can't get a good flow
> > of fresh water.
> >  - The modules in the R-390 are not Army helicopters and they
> > certainly don't cost as much and are not depended upon to preserve the
> > lives and limbs of people who use them
> >
> > Sooo.. if you like Simple Green, go ahead.  Just let me know if I am
> > tempted to buy one of your radios.
> >
> > Restorers I know use a 50-50 mixture of 409 and household ammonia. The
> > R-390/URR and R-390A/URR modules I cleaned not too long ago look new.
> >
> > - apply with a squirter, brush vigorously with a paint brush, or parts
> > brush.
> > - rinse well with lots of water
> > - dry with moderate heat (the summer sun in Arizona, or your oven at
> > 120 degrees - convection ovens work great!)  Heat lamps or just plain
> > lamps placed close and a small fan will do.
> > - re-lubricate EVERYthing, and treat all switches with Caig De-Oxit
> > (and pots with Caig MCL if they are not sealed shut).  Accept no
> > substitutes, they have new names now, see www.caig.com for details and
> > a trial kit of small tubes.
> >
> > Remove all modules from your R-390x radio. Remove the RF deck and
> > remove all the slug racks and transformers.  Wash everything as above.
> > The meters are sealed so don't worry.  Your radio will look like new.
> >
> >>  BTW, I'll make a note about the power thing.
> >
> > Make sure you have a three wire line cord while you are at it.  Put in
> > an inrush current limiter.
> >
> > Roy
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > - Roy Morgan, K1LKY since 1959 - Keep 'em Glowing
> > 13033 Downey Mill Road, Lovettsville, VA 20180
> > Phone 540-822-5911   Cell 301-928-7794
> > Work: Voice: 301-975-3254,  Fax: 301-975-6097
> > roy.morgan at nist.gov --
> > _____________________________________________________________
>
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