cleaning Yamaha relay (CA-1010)

[yammie334]

I did do a search on this -- but I'm a newby so my apologies if I've missed the discussion...

I have a Yamaha CA-1010, sounds wonderful but eventually the right channel cuts out. Have to turn up the volume past mid-point to reactivate it -- then it eventually fades again. Sometimes no problem whatsoever.

Used contact cleaner on all pots and switches I could find then stumbled across this problem in another forum and it was suggested that I clean the relays with contact cleaner -- but use another cleaner to remove any residue before trying it.

So, I'm trying to find the relay.

These two pictures show what I think is the relay, can someone confirm that this is the relay and that it is cleanable? I believe the cover should just pull off but don't want to try until confirmed.

Thanks so much!

[Netlist]

Confirmed.

Welcome BTW.

/Hugo

[yammie334]

Thanks! I'll plant a tree in your honour if it works!

[Netlist]

A word of caution on contact cleaner. Use it very sparse and try to spray a second cleaner to wash away the contact cleaner; that is in the pots and contacts.
As for the relay, I use worn out sandpaper #800 or #1200 to clean the contacts if I'm not supposed to replace the relay.

/Hugo

[yammie334]

Can I use rubbing alcohol after the contact cleaner or is there another classification of cleaners I should use for follow-up? Thanks!

[Netlist]

The contact WL smells like a mixture of ether an isopropanol.
I am (for the record) not affiliated with Contact Chemie but I found the combination of both cans a perfect long time remedy for many bad contacts.

/Hugo

[XEAGLEKEEPER]

Once you have removed the plastic cover be very gentle as to not bend the contacts.

[anatech]

Hi yammie334,
Desolder the relay pins and remove it first. Then remove the plastic cover. Carefully remove the spring on top and do not lose it! You can pull the moving contacts out carefully, they will be attached to the base with wire. Do not damage the wire.

Spray some contact cleaner on a white business card and place the card on a flat surface near the edge. Place you fingers on the back of the contacts and move them back and forth on the card. The card should turn black where the contacts are running. Repeat on a clean part of the card. Fold the card and wet the surface with more cleaner. Move this against the stationary contacts. Inspect them to make sure they are clean. Repeat on a clean surface of the card.

Now you are ready to remove the contact cleaner. Alcohol or Electrowash will work. You want a zero residue cleaner that is safe on plastic. Once dry, reassemble in the reverse order and resolder to the PCB.

Done. If it still acts up it's new relay time. Keep in mind that the plating on the contacts is very, very thin. You don't want to scratch them.

-Chris

[GRollins]

Given how thin the plating is on relay contacts, I would advise against sandpaper of any sort.
Consider the possibility of a cold solder joint.

Grey

[Netlist]

Originally posted by GRollins
Given how thin the plating is on relay contacts, I would advise against sandpaper of any sort.
Consider the possibility of a cold solder joint.

Grey

I agree in general. My 'Very Special Old Matured' however could even be used as toiletpaper.

/Hugo