[R-390] R-390 Digest, Vol 259, Issue 9
Mahlon Haunschild
k4oq.radio at gmail.com
Sat Feb 14 16:20:54 EST 2026
Ross,
Nice work. I have the same skillset and tools, albeit somewhat smaller
(pocket watches are my thing). What are you using for a cleaning solution?
The stamped gears in an R-390(A) deserve >sparing< amounts of lubrication
for best results, in my opinion. The highly- accurate hob-cut gears in a
low-force machine like a timepiece don’t need it. The LeCoultre Atmos
clock, in particular, will not run if it is lubricated like a normal clock.
Best regards
Mahlon - N4ZK
(who still hasn’t updated his mailing list subscription to
n4zk.radio at gmail.com)
On Sat, Feb 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM <r-390-request at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> Send R-390 mailing list submissions to
> r-390 at mailman.qth.net
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/r-390
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> r-390-request at mailman.qth.net
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> r-390-owner at mailman.qth.net
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of R-390 digest..."
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: R-390 (Non-A) RF Gears Cleaning (ROSS HOCHSTRASSER)
> 2. Re: R-390 (Non-A) RF Gears Cleaning (Jim Whartenby)
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: ROSS HOCHSTRASSER <bavarianradio at comcast.net>
> To: Jim Whartenby <old_radio at aol.com>, Jim Whartenby via R-390 <
> r-390 at mailman.qth.net>
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:23:42 -0500 (EST)
> Subject: Re: [R-390] R-390 (Non-A) RF Gears Cleaning
> Hi all, My approach may be be a bit different as I have been in the clock
> repair business for over 40 years. I did this R-390 restoration over ten
> years ago. when I see gears, I was taught to disassemble everything that
> can be disassembled and CLEAN it. I have lots of pictures that I can send
> to anyone who wants to see them. Here are two showing the level of
> disassembly I was able to achieve. The results are pretty and pretty
> successful mechanically. As someone has already mentioned, WD-40 is NOT a
> lubricant, although it can be useful de-gunking things before disassembly
> as long as it can be completely rinsed out. I use a heated ultrasonic
> cleaner with an ammoniated solution, water rinse and heat drying. If there
> is any interest, I can be contacted via email here or directly , my email
> address is good on QRZ 73 W1EKG
> > On 02/12/2026 2:27 PM EST Jim Whartenby via R-390 <r-390 at mailman.qth.net>
> wrote:
> >
> >
> > All of these comments seem to be about what works best for the
> individual who is responding. It is all opinion based of which one is as
> valid as another. I bought the WD-40 in a gallon container. At the time,
> this was the cheapest all purpose solvent at Lowes some 15 years ago. I
> still have half of that gallon remaining after cleaning three R-390A
> receiver gear trains.
> >
> > I checked the gallon Naphtha back panel, it says to not use it as a
> general purpose cleaner. As mentioned already, brake cleaner is quite
> harsh. I am sure that none of these products are healthy but it seems that
> WD-40 is the most versatile. Perhaps WD-40 does not do all things very
> well but it seems to be good enough for my purposes. It along with a
> detergent gets the job done.
> >
> > Enclosed is an analysis of what is in WD-40. It seems to be mostly
> white spirits #1 aka mineral spirits #1 with other additives to act as
> light lubricants such as mineral oil. Since I use several solvents in my
> cleaning process, I don't feel that I am leaving any one as a residue that
> may harm the geartrain. The smell does not bother me as I use it only when
> I'm outside. I am pleased with the results as I am sure that the other
> solvents already mentioned work as well for those who mentioned them.
> > Regards,
> > Jim
> > Logic: Method used to arrive at the wrong conclusion, with confidence.
> Murphy
> >
> > On Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 08:44:22 PM CST, Spence Barton
> via R-390 <r-390 at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> >
> > I totally agree with this. First I can't stand the smell of WD-40. Some
> > say it's got kerosene in it and some other stuff. Kerosene isn't my
> > first choice for a cleaning solvent anyway. I definitely don't need or
> > want the other stuff in it. Naphtha (white gas) is fabulous. It's a
> > great solvent for grease. Won't affect most paints or decals. Cleans up
> > great. Doesn't cost much.
> >
> > On 2/11/2026 2:43 PM, Barry wrote:
> > > I'm not a fan of WD-40 for cleaning. It really wasn't it's purpose.
> I like naphtha for a grease and oil cleaner followed by synthetic oil
> judiciously where needed.
> > >
> > > Barry - N4BUQ
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > R-390 mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/r-390
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:R-390 at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > R-390 mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/r-390
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:R-390 at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Jim Whartenby <old_radio at aol.com>
> To: Jim Whartenby via R-390 <r-390 at mailman.qth.net>
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2026 16:15:00 +0000 (UTC)
> Subject: Re: [R-390] R-390 (Non-A) RF Gears Cleaning
> RossGreat! Someone who is familiar with both R-390s and clocks!From what
> I have read concerning lubrication of clockworks, one does not lube gears,
> only pivot points.IIRC, the R-390/URR manual says that it is better to not
> lube then to over lube.Comments?Regards,Jim
> Logic: Method used to arrive at the wrong conclusion, with confidence.
> Murphy
>
> On Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:23:48 PM CST, ROSS HOCHSTRASSER <
> bavarianradio at comcast.net> wrote:
>
> Hi all, My approach may be be a bit different as I have been in the clock
> repair business for over 40 years. I did this R-390 restoration over ten
> years ago. when I see gears, I was taught to disassemble everything that
> can be disassembled and CLEAN it. I have lots of pictures that I can send
> to anyone who wants to see them. Here are two showing the level of
> disassembly I was able to achieve. The results are pretty and pretty
> successful mechanically. As someone has already mentioned, WD-40 is NOT a
> lubricant, although it can be useful de-gunking things before disassembly
> as long as it can be completely rinsed out. I use a heated ultrasonic
> cleaner with an ammoniated solution, water rinse and heat drying. If there
> is any interest, I can be contacted via email here or directly , my email
> address is good on QRZ 73 W1EKG
> > On 02/12/2026 2:27 PM EST Jim Whartenby via R-390 <r-390 at mailman.qth.net>
> wrote:
> >
> >
> > All of these comments seem to be about what works best for the
> individual who is responding. It is all opinion based of which one is as
> valid as another. I bought the WD-40 in a gallon container. At the time,
> this was the cheapest all purpose solvent at Lowes some 15 years ago. I
> still have half of that gallon remaining after cleaning three R-390A
> receiver gear trains.
> >
> > I checked the gallon Naphtha back panel, it says to not use it as a
> general purpose cleaner. As mentioned already, brake cleaner is quite
> harsh. I am sure that none of these products are healthy but it seems that
> WD-40 is the most versatile. Perhaps WD-40 does not do all things very
> well but it seems to be good enough for my purposes. It along with a
> detergent gets the job done.
> >
> > Enclosed is an analysis of what is in WD-40. It seems to be mostly
> white spirits #1 aka mineral spirits #1 with other additives to act as
> light lubricants such as mineral oil. Since I use several solvents in my
> cleaning process, I don't feel that I am leaving any one as a residue that
> may harm the geartrain. The smell does not bother me as I use it only when
> I'm outside. I am pleased with the results as I am sure that the other
> solvents already mentioned work as well for those who mentioned them.
> > Regards,
> > Jim
> > Logic: Method used to arrive at the wrong conclusion, with confidence.
> Murphy
> >
> > On Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 08:44:22 PM CST, Spence Barton via
> R-390 <r-390 at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> >
> > I totally agree with this. First I can't stand the smell of WD-40. Some
> > say it's got kerosene in it and some other stuff. Kerosene isn't my
> > first choice for a cleaning solvent anyway. I definitely don't need or
> > want the other stuff in it. Naphtha (white gas) is fabulous. It's a
> > great solvent for grease. Won't affect most paints or decals. Cleans up
> > great. Doesn't cost much.
> >
> > On 2/11/2026 2:43 PM, Barry wrote:
> > > I'm not a fan of WD-40 for cleaning. It really wasn't it's purpose.
> I like naphtha for a grease and oil cleaner followed by synthetic oil
> judiciously where needed.
> > >
> > > Barry - N4BUQ
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > R-390 mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/r-390
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:R-390 at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > R-390 mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/r-390
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:R-390 at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> _______________________________________________
> R-390 mailing list
> R-390 at mailman.qth.net
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/r-390
>
More information about the R-390
mailing list