[Swan] Swam MX 100 PTO

[John King]

I have a Swan MX 100 that has been on the shelf for about 10 years. The other day I took it off the shelf and hooked it up to find that the PTO lead screw would not turn by turning the tuning knob. I suppose the white grease on the lead screw of the PTO has aged and hardened thus keeping the screw from turning to change frequency and causing the vernier to slip like a clutch. I like the old transceiver and want to put it back on the air.

Have any of you experienced this problem with the PTO screw not turning? If so, how did you free it up? I suppose there is some way to dilute the grease and soften it up or soften it up by slight heat. There are plastic gears on the PTO shaft and I do not want to damage the gears. I hesitate to make any effort to disassemble any part of the PTO.

I would appreciate your input on this problem based on your actual experience  and knowledge of this particular PTO and its drive line. Thanks for your assistance. 73, John, K5PGW