| johnm |
Hi folks.
Can't seem to find any solid answers to this, but I was wandering what the best solvent (available in the UK) is for cleaning out the oil bearing housing of a Garrard 401 (or any turntable for that matter) ?
Is white spirit or methylated spirit safe to use?
Many thanks,
- John |
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| oshifis |
| I use dry kitchen paper towel for cleaning the sleeve bearings of my turntable. |
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| wakibaki |
Yes, but do not drink either.
Meth is not a solvent for most oils, white spirit is. Lighter fluid would be my choice out of the things I've got handy. The chance of damage to something as hard as a bearing is small, just don't get anything abrasive in there, and don't leave any moisture.
w
...or you could use WD40. |
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| dnsey |
| For anyone reading this thread looking for more general advice, remember that *sintered* bearings absorb whatever they are soaked in. In this case, solvents aren't a good idea. A few hours soaking in a suitable oil (preferably heated) is all that's usually required. |
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| johnm |
Wouldn't think of it (hic!...... damn!).
Thanks for all the advice - will try the heated oil approach. I believe the bearings in the 401 are sintered (according to: http://www.slatedeck.com/turntables...20Bearings.html)
What's the best way to heat the oil? Hair dryer, or perhaps placing the oil in a container, then placing container in boiling water, or something else?
Thanks,
- John |
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| wakibaki |
| quote: | Originally posted by dnsey
remember that *sintered* bearings absorb whatever they are soaked in. In this case, solvents aren't a good idea. |
Thanks, I wasn't aware that sintered bearings were employed here...
w |
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| owen |
Sintered bearings can be solvent washed clean, and should be, if the bearing has been allowed to 'dry-out'.
It will need re-filling with oil - best done as a heat soak, rinse with clean oil (to ensure all solvent is driven off), and a final heat soak.
The longer the better for both stages, and it will STINK...
Afterwards, wipe the exterior, and degrease the base of the bearing, before applying a new gasket using something like blue hylomar.
Add some oil, and gently insert main shaft - if you use the felt ring, it will soak up some of the excess, and ensure continuing lubrication...
Owen |
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| dnsey |
| quote: | | Sintered bearings can be solvent washed clean, and should be, if the bearing has been allowed to 'dry-out'. |
Agreed, I meant that they shouldn't just be rinsed in situ, then a smear of oil applied, as one might with ballraces etc.
I just heat the oil in a small pan over a stove. I guess there's a degree of risk, but no more than in making chips! |
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| johnm |
In the end I merely poured the oil into a beer glass I had to hand (!) and put the housing in there, leaving it on the window sill - been so hot it's doing the job nicely. Will leave it a day more than clean it up.
Just hope I don't pick up the wrong pint glass..... the colour is exactly the same as a good ale :clown:
- John |
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