Channel Selector switch on SBE Console V

[Bobcat]

One of the things I have noticed on this radio...

Years stored in the garage may have done it.... but the Channel Selector/Decoder switch is REALLY stiff to turn. Does grunge build up on the shaft going through a bushing or something? If so, is removal, dis-assembly and cleaning the only cure or is there a spray (or dribble!) cure?

[nosaj]

lube may have dried on the shaft or bushing may have gotten stiff.

nosaj

[MDYoungblood]

I like to use CAIG Laboratories, Inc. "DeoxIT D5", it does a great job at flushing away grunge from areas like a selector or potentiometers.

3's

Greg

[Bobcat]

Sounds like a good call. I need to get some of that anyway.

[Bobcat]

I hear things about DE Oxit. The most common thing I hear is... "a little goes a long way". So for a shat cleaning like this.... Do I pull the knob and just dribble a bit in and leave it to work it's magic... Or do I need to really spray it good to flush it out?

[MDYoungblood]

I hear things about DE Oxit. The most common thing I hear is... "a little goes a long way". So for a shat cleaning like this.... Do I pull the knob and just dribble a bit in and leave it to work it's magic... Or do I need to really spray it good to flush it out?

For just the shaft, a quick squirt should free it up, contacts are where you need to flush the dirt away from them.

3's

Greg

[Bobcat]

Well again, thanks for the idea.
I got antsy and couldn't wait.....
I have a can of (what I think is) pretty good control cleaner with lubricant...
I popped the knob off and used the tube to shoot a couple of controlled "toots" between the shaft and the bushing area and worked it. Freed it right up! I know it isn't DeoxIT... but it at least got the job done and the switch feeling better.

[MDYoungblood]

You have to watch out for the contact cleaners at the auto store, those brands aren't usually safe for plastics. Glad it worked.

3's

Greg

[Bobcat]

Nah, this is for electronics....specifically. Used it many times.... just usually for cleaning pots the element in pots.