cleaning noisy solenoids

[msacco]

Wondering what's the best thing to use for cleaning noisy solenoids such as
ones on milk car, oil derrick and 022 switches. I usually use graphite powder
on these lubricate but have a noisy one on my 455 derrick and wondering
if a cleaning will make it quiet. I've heard wd-40 is a no no, but what about
t.v. tuner spray? Anyone other suggestions?

Mike Sacco

[Anonymous]

TV tuner cleaner is fine,just dont get it on the plastic or paint.

Dale Hz

[Anonymous]

Mike,

I use contact cleaner that is made by CRC. It is called QD Contact Clean. It will not harm plastic or paint, and it does not leave any oil or residue behind like Radio Shack tuner cleaner does. I have used the CRC cleaner on pickups, e-units, motors, and just about any part that needs cleaning with excellent results. It did seem to reduce noise produced by solenoids.

Jim

[msacco]

thanks guys!!!!

Mike Sacco

[Anonymous]

Normally cleaners do not harm modern plastic and paint, however I would still use caution with old postwar stuff. Plastics and paints are not all the same formulas and do not all react the same.

Dale Hz

[Sturgeon-Phish]

After cleaning, ensure fasteners that are to be tight are tight. The excessive vibration will make things noisy.
Jim

[phillyreading]

This is my personal opion but I would stay away from spray cleaners because of the new chemicals that may be in them. Lionel did use a form of plastic in the 1940's but it was called Bakelite(not 100% positive but I think it was ground up plastic that was baked in an oven to form), most common uses were for 022 switches & relay boxes and coal dump boxes. Most plastic compatible oils will do fine with Bakelite, remember that I did NOT say SPRAY LUBES!!!
Graphite powder should do O.K. far as I know.
Lee Fritz

[lionelsoni]

Bakelite was made from phenol and formaldehyde under heat and pressure. The name comes from the inventor, Leo Baekeland.

[ben10ben]

Bakelite is also relatively inert so it's impervious to most solvents you're likely to encounter. The biggest danger to bakelite breaking because it's relatively brittle.

Also, TV tuner cleaner contains 1,1,1,2-Trifluoroethane as the primary solvent. It's an excellent solvent related to carbon tetrachloride and is also safe around most types of plastics.

[Anonymous]

Sure brings back memories. I worked in the phenol plant at Union carbide 3 years. Pretty smelly stuff.

Dale hz