I was directed to something that seems works! A while back Fife had said something about a product called CRC 2-26. It is a lube and electrical contact cleaner. Anyway I have a Lionel twin motor CSX DASH 8-40C DIESEL 6-18214 that is very sensitive to power drains when running at low speeds around the track. So it is easy to see where there are power drops when using this engine on the layout. In short through this forum and from information I got here I was told that CRC 2-26 may help. So today I ran the CSX unit and found it slowing in about five spots on the layout where it would slow down. So I put just a dab of the CRC 2-26 on each track connection and let the engine run around. To my amassment after about five laps the train ran at an even speed all across the layout. This is not an advertisement and may not be a solution for all track contact issues. Maybe just something I think some others would like to try. I have found this product hard to find but it is out there if you look. Worth a try for sure!Thanks to this forum and the suggestion from Fife for the help!!!!
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
My basement tends to be humid, so the 2-26 has helped to retard surface rust. Plus it works into the rail joiners that have been in place for a decade.
Not a cure-all, just has worked for me on my layout.
Note that CRC 2-26 is not conductive. In fact, it has a dielectric strength of 51300 volts/mil. It works by preventing corrosion and the resulting resistance between the metal parts in the joints where you apply it.
Bob Nelson
lionelsoni Note that CRC 2-26 is not conductive. In fact, it has a dielectric strength of 51300 volts/mil. It works by preventing corrosion and the resulting resistance between the metal parts in the joints where you apply it.
Bob, I was wondering if it was dielectric or not. I nave never been sure just how dielectric grease worked and why they tell you to put it on elect contacts and battery terminals if is not conductive.
As for the 2-26 it seems to be very thin so my guess would be if it reduces the corrosion that is the pay off.
I don't remember the number of the CRC that I used, but I do know that it attacked plastic with a vengence. I sprayed some on Atlas electrical switches to clean the contacts, and the swithches turned to the consistency of soft butter almost instantly. So make sure the product states that it is safe to use on plastics if you use it near plastics.
Earl
I don't remember the number of the CRC that I used, but I do know that it attacked plastic with a vengence.
Thank you for posting a warning. CRC makes a fair number of spray products.
I wonder whether you had one of their contact cleaner products.
I have been using CRC 2-26 for many years, and have never seen a case where it attacks plastics. In fact the manufacturer claims it to be plastic safe:
CRC 2.26 is a plastic safe lubricant, penetrant, cleaner and corrosion inhibitor that helps prevent electrical malfunction caused by water penetration, humidity, condensation or corrosion and restores electrical properties after water damage. Non-flammable and silicone-free. As part of a preventative maintenance programme, CRC 2.26 prevents 80% of all electrical failures by protecting equipment from moisture and corrosion. A thin residual film with light lubricating properties seals out moisture and provides long-lasting protection for electrical equipment even in difficult environmental conditons. In flood and water damaged equipment, CRC 2.26 displaces moisture and restores resistance values, stops short circuits, current leakage and arcing. Its unique viscosity allows for deep penetration into the surface for complete moisture elimination. Specially formulated with high levels of cleaning power, CRC 2.26 can be used as a degreaser with a light non-metallic abrasive pad like Scotch-Brite and is ideal for effective removal of fingerprint contamination. CRC 2.26 does not contain silicones, CFCs and chlorinated solvents. Temperature Range -20°C to +150°C. MPI Approved C14.Features & Benefits Multi-purpose product for electrical equipment – Precision lubricant, corrosion control, penetrant, cleaner Protective lubricating film seals out moisture, resists difficult environmental conditions – Eliminates breakdowns caused by water penetration, humidity, salt air, condensation or corrosion Repairs water damaged equipment – Restores electrical properties Improves electrical properties – Stops short circuits, current leakage and arcing Cleaning power – Ideal for effective removal of fingerprint contamination High dielectric strength – Ideal for higher voltage applications Preventative maintenance – Extends operational life and reduces downtime due to unscheduled maintenance and repair Plastic-safe – Allows one product to be used in all applications Non-flammable Silicone-free 360° Valve – Product can be sprayed from any position even upside down 300g Includes Permastraw™ Dual-Action Spray System - One piece actuator with two-way spray that ensures that straw stays in place. Temperature Range -20°C to +150°C MPI Approved C14 Uses Protection of higher voltage applications and all electrical equipment – Electrical connectors, relays, circuit breakers, transformers, switches and switchgear, motors, generators, controls, instruments, communication assemblies, electronics, alarm systems, starters, auto electrical, bulb terminals, bus bars, marine electronics, terminal blocks Restoration of electrical properties Contact Lubricant Cleaner – Removal of fingerprint contamination, use with non-metallic abrasive Excellent for use around modern plastics and insulators Application Method
Uses
Application Method
EIS2 I don't remember the number of the CRC that I used, but I do know that it attacked plastic with a vengence. I sprayed some on Atlas electrical switches to clean the contacts, and the swithches turned to the consistency of soft butter almost instantly. So make sure the product states that it is safe to use on plastics if you use it near plastics. Earl
Earl, you must of been using CRC brake cleaner. I know it will eat plastic but CRC QD contact cleaner and 2-26 are both plastic safe.
I have used 2-26 for years, no issues on plastic. HOWever many contact cleaners will turn plastic into a glob of nothing. There are also many that use WD-40 as a lubricant IT is Not. Guys read the labels first.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
Here is an interesting article about lubricants and plastics:
http://machinedesign.com/mechanical-drives/lubrication-tips-plastic-gears-and-more
The CRC that I used was contact cleaner that I bought at Lowes. I did not look for 'Plastic Safe' before I used it. But I can unilaterally confirm that my can of CRC is definitely not plastic safe per a personally witnessed field test.
My previous can of CRC contact cleaner was purchased at Radio Shack and worked fine around plastics.
CRC makes a bunch of different contact cleaners. I assume that some are plastic safe, and others are not. I one that I have on hand (QD Contact Cleaner) is listed as plastic safe.
Here is a list of all the contact cleaners CRC makes:
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