Would like to get comments on the best spray cleaner for variable caps. I haven't had to do this for a while and now I have one that is very dirty. I've read that spraying the wrong stuff on will leave a residue that will detune a tuning cap. So what's the best no-residue spray?

Daniel,
I've successfully used std. household cleaners like 409, rinse with distilled water and blow dry. Harsh solvents like lacquer thinner will work too, but will probably wash away the grease in the bearings. After a thorough cleaning, it's wise to check the lubricant in the bearings anyway, and use fine abrasive cloth to polish the spring loaded copper contacts from shaft to frame. Replace any faulty rubber grommets at the screw mounts.

MARV

:Would like to get comments on the best spray cleaner for variable caps. I haven't had to do this for a while and now I have one that is very dirty. I've read that spraying the wrong stuff on will leave a residue that will detune a tuning cap. So what's the best no-residue spray?
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Here's another method:

http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=73596&highlight=ultrasonic

:Here's another method:
:
:http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=73596&highlight=ultrasonic
:
Dennis,

What is the model # of the Ultrasonic Cleaner that you have?

Mitch

If I have to remove the tuner anyway to replace the rubber grommets then I have found that swishing it around well in hot water with dish-soap and a rinse works wonders.

Otherwise a circuit spray cleaner and soft bristle brush works well too. Canned air helps as well.

Re-lube the bearings too.

I thank all who replied. In the past I have used automatic dishwashing machine soap and water on variable caps. I was actually wanting to find out which products would not de-tune tuning caps and which products were preferred over the others. The choices include ITW Chemtronics, CAIG (which makes DeoxIT), Techspray, LPS and Rawn among others. Checking other forums I found the two most important considerations appear to be:

1) Sprays with lubricants are the types that de-tune tuning capacitors. WD-40 is very definitely the wrong stuff!

2) The Spray must be safe for plastics and rubber.

After checking the label on my Radio Shack "Electronics Cleaner" (Stock #64-4345) I concluded it was safe for tuning caps and I went ahead and sprayed my tuner with it. It took off the grime in a jiffy and it did not leave a capacitance changing residue.

PS - I always change the rubber grommets on tuning caps along with using white lithium grease on the ball bearings and this time was no exception.

:If I have to remove the tuner anyway to replace the rubber grommets then I have found that swishing it around well in hot water with dish-soap and a rinse works wonders.
:
:Otherwise a circuit spray cleaner and soft bristle brush works well too. Canned air helps as well.
:
:Re-lube the bearings too.
:

:I thank all who replied. In the past I have used automatic dishwashing machine soap and water on variable caps. I was actually wanting to find out which products would not de-tune tuning caps and which products were preferred over the others. The choices include ITW Chemtronics, CAIG (which makes DeoxIT), Techspray, LPS and Rawn among others. Checking other forums I found the two most important considerations appear to be:
:
:1) Sprays with lubricants are the types that de-tune tuning capacitors. WD-40 is very definitely the wrong stuff!
:
:2) The Spray must be safe for plastics and rubber.
:
:After checking the label on my Radio Shack "Electronics Cleaner" (Stock #64-4345) I concluded it was safe for tuning caps and I went ahead and sprayed my tuner with it. It took off the grime in a jiffy and it did not leave a capacitance changing residue.
:
:PS - I always change the rubber grommets on tuning caps along with using white lithium grease on the ball bearings and this time was no exception.
:
::If I have to remove the tuner anyway to replace the rubber grommets then I have found that swishing it around well in hot water with dish-soap and a rinse works wonders.
::
::Otherwise a circuit spray cleaner and soft bristle brush works well too. Canned air helps as well.
::
::Re-lube the bearings too.
::
:
:
A nice clean soft paintbrush...regular size like for trim work...does wonders to clean without bending the plates.

WD-40 or mineral spirits are helpful for removing greasy residue. Sometimes radio components are covered with something on the order of kitchen grease, or cigarette smoke. Solvents containing mineral spirits help remove much of this, and sometimes other solvents are necessary. When something like WD-40 is used, it is then necessary to remove this with something like hot water with dish detergent added. Sometimes hot water with dish detergent isn't enough to remove the grease and grime in the first place, and so solvents, such as WD-40, must be turned to for help. Gasoline or carburetor cleaner may also help in extreme cases. However, care must be exercised around these flammables. ...Also, as others have mentioned, care must be exercised to keep these solvents away from rubber and plastic. Bakelite is usually fairly immune to these solvents, but Tenite and Lucite are not.

T.