OT Ranting (blather blather blather) Re: In defense of NASA: was Re: Wirin' up blinkenlights

From: William Donzelli <aw288_at_osfn.org>
Date: Mon Jun 12 16:49:03 2000

> I don't know if the UK stuff is different, but the WD40 I've seen seems
> to leave a waxy deposit (probably just very thick oils/greases) on the
> metal.

I think it is just the old lubricant residue.

> I don't know if this comes from the WD40, or if it's due to some
> reaction between the WD40 and the old lubricant, or what, but it makes a
> right mess of small mechnaisms, and it's non-trivial to get rid of.

When I rebuild radio dynamotors, I always repack the bearings with
synthetic lubricants. The time consuming job of the operation is getting
the old crap out of the bearings. WD-40 works like a charm, but yes, I run
into the residue, and I would rather not use a whole can of the stuff for
each bearing!

Acetone works well to get the rest of the stuff out. I put a little
acetone in small cup and dip the bearings. The gunk comes right out and
floats on the surface. It is indeed waxy.

Be careful around plastics, of course.

And for those that think this is Off Topic, remember that those of us with
card readers and punches will have to go thru the motor rebuild process
sooner or later (preferrably sooner).

William Donzelli
aw288_at_osfn.org
Received on Mon Jun 12 2000 - 16:49:03 BST