LW Circuit Breakers won't reset

[lionelsoni]

How many?

If you need to replace them, this should work:  http://www.wiringproducts.com/6-amp-short-stop-auto-reset-circuit-breaker-12-volt.html

[gottcent]

I have several LW transformers operating different, independent loops on my layout. Lately, virtually all of them have been popping off when they encounter a short (which is fine) but not popping back on for a long time (sometimes hours) later. It doesn't seem to matter which independent loop is involved, or how minor the short is--it's almost like a virus is spreading through my LW circuit breakers. (My 1033s, which also operate independent loops, don't seem to have this trouble. Their breakers will open when they should, but then re-close in 20 or 30 seconds.)

I can temporarily alleviate this problem by tapping the LWs' cases gently in the vicinity of the breaker. But when the next short occurs, it's back to the breakers not wanting to re-close.

Could it be that these breakers--all dating, I presume, from the mid-to-late 1950s--have all reached their "breaking point" (sorry, couldn't resist the pun) at the same time. Do they all need to be replaced?

I wondered about spraying some TV tuner cleaner into the breakers. Would that do any good--or more importantly, any harm?

As always, advice will be appreciated.

John