Hi:

Does anybody have a formula/cleaner that I could soak a badly rusted and stuck variable capacitor?
Thanks.

I remember a slightly caustic(similar to lye) carburetor soaking solution(water-soluble) that would clean up corrosion very nicely. I haven't seen it at an auto parts store around here lately as the EPA is trying to restrict these hazardous chemicals. Just keep an eye on the more delicate metals like copper/brass as it may be harsh on these.Remove any rubber parts.It may be best to disassemble it as much as possible. Use skin and eye protection when handling this stuff and rinse off,then blow dry.Note: It may change the value of capacitance by affecting the metal plates,but you may be able to compensate for this. Disassembly for particle(ie:glass bead or sand)blasting of the housing is another possibility. But I wouldn't blast the bearings or plates.

John:

There were a few discussions about cleaning caps on another forum. One was based on water and some additives and the other was an ultrasonic bath. Hope that helps.

http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=81576

http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=73596

:Hi:
:
: Does anybody have a formula/cleaner that I could soak a badly rusted and stuck variable capacitor?
: Thanks.

John,
My Philco 42-350 was the first I've encountered with tin plates in the tuning capacitor, and they were well rusted, but not shorted or frozen. I used Rustoleum "Rust Stripper" to clean it, but others prefer Naval Jelly. You can also try a diesel fuel soak to loosen/free up the movement, then follow up with either of the rust removers. A final cleaning with acetone or lacquer thinner will remove the oily residue. If it has mica compression trimmers on the side loosen the tuning screws until the plates separate and clean that area with the solvent too. Keep in mind that bending the plates in any direction in the cleaning process will affect the ability of the tuner to track properly and tune to the station indicated on the dial, whereas a complete alignment will be required.

marv

:Hi:
:
: Does anybody have a formula/cleaner that I could soak a badly rusted and stuck variable capacitor?
: Thanks.