Hi Peter,
I had a question for you. I know this is a semi old thread, but ran into this exact PTO issue on my SPR-4. The PTO bearing area is slipping/gumming up and I believe it needs to be cleaned. Would you see any issue with using acetone vs. the 99% alcohol to clean the balls/ball race with the PTO still installed? The rest of the PTO gears look pristine and I wanted to try the "in place" cleaning before I go to the PTO removal and clean process.
73, Gordon KJ6IKT
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On Sun, Jul 16, 2023 at 03:38 PM, VE7PS wrote:
Steve:
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I agree 100% with your theory on migration of the lighter?components?of the bearing grease.
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I have been using white lithium grease on the ball race for years.? I've never had to go back and re-clean one, and re-grease, though there are so many Drakes here none of them get "over-used".
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Removing the front panel just?makes so much sense and allows proper cleaning of the Preselector tuning drive, all the pots, etc.? I can have the front panel removed?and the PTO out in 10 minutes or less.? Great time to clean and re-whiten the line on the knobs too!? Front panel gets cleaned then a couple of coats of Pledge with a soft cloth polish between the 2 coats and again after the 2nd coat.? I wouldn't even dream?of cleaning a PTO gearset without removing it from the rig.
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That said....you CAN do a pretty good job of cleaning?the front PTO bearing without removing?the PTO.? You do need to remove the lamp hood and dial light socket. I use 6" cotton?swabs dipped in 99% alcohol and clean the bearing as best you can.? Rotate the dial during this process.? You will need 6 or 7 swabs in all likelihood to eliminate most of the old grease.? Use the whole?lithium sparingly.? One or two VERY small dabs will be enough.? Use the stick end of the cotton swabs?you just used to clean the bearing out.
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73
Peter
VE7PS
