Got a very good deal on an Icom IC-740, MFJ-949(A), and a D-104 mic. All works well. However, the former owner was a smoker. The equipment smells of smoke, and obviously is coated in a layer of tar and grime inside and out. Is there an easy way to clean this stuff inside and out? Inside obviously being harder than the outsides.
A good place to look for hints like this is in the Boat Anchor forums....
The only thing I have found that truly removes smoke tar is Krud Kutter spray cleaner, available at Lowes, True Value Hardware, etc.
It is quite powerful but gentle, and can be diluted significantly water. They only thing I have found that is should not be used on it Bakelite knobs, etc. Be sure to rinse with plenty of fresh water after cleaning.
b.
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Thanks, I'll look into Krud Kutter and look more on the other boards. Just spray it on and rinse the boards? I'm leery of getting water in components. Distilled water?
the best thing to use to clean electronic boards or assy' is flux remover
Used to clean boards of flux residue. The boards can be washed and brushed clean then rinsed in clean solution.
Check the web of product info. Solder flux remover will disolve smoke scum.
The Astatic D-104 will probably be the hardest to clean ..
likely requiring complete disassembly of the D-104 mic head and stand/base to remove the layer of tar.
I have been restoring rigs for 12 years since retirement. The attached process is the ultimate cleaning process. Click on the thumbnail below and the file should download.
Savanna, Illinois, the west coast of Illinois that is.
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I've cleaned and restored a lot of radios. I use Formula 401, rubbing alcohol, and a lot of other cleaning products along with a lot of elbow grease, with good success.
I've even stripped chassis of most all components and put them in the dishwasher.
I have left transformers on the chassis when I put them in the dishwasher. After they are clean I put them in the oven for several hours on low heat to dry everything.
This has worked out very well for me. Occasionally I have totally ruined transformers that have plastic coil forms in them because the can not take the heat.
If I see that a transformer has plastic in it I use alternate methods to clean them. CRC makes a spray on product that works great for transformers and electric motors. It drys fast and doesn't leave behind a very nasty smell.
Its been my experience that transformers are the major source for bad smells in electronic things. Its darn hard to remove it without something that can get inside the windings and remove the accumulated stench.
Once I get a project as physically clean as I can I usually stuff it with dryer sheets then put it in a big plastic bag and set it somewhere where it will get good and warm. In the summer that is outside in direct sunlight.
KA9VQF
Any tool is a weapon if you hold it right.
“The only difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.” A. Einstein
Cleaning a radio?
Originally Posted by KD8MBI
