BTW thank you for the welcome. There is a lot going on in my life at the moment and I posted the photo's and forgot to be polite. If I had switch cleaner I would have tried it. Initially I thought something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Servisol-7...02512&sprefix=contact+cleaner,aps,197&sr=8-34 would actually cost more than a new potentiometer. Unless I bought one of those Alps ones.
Some folk do report success with using contact cleaner sprays, liquids, oils and greases but mostly the fix is only temporary and the "contact" to be cleaned isn't the problem. It's more likely that the carbon track of the potentiometer has worn through in places, after many uses - noting that all pots are not created equal and some cheap types will be lucky to survive a year in the hands of "twiddlers" who adjust controls compulsively, as if they were car steering wheels or such.
On the other hand, cleaner sprays and applicators can be useful, if expensive diagnostic tools when you find they don't last long. It tells you (ahem) that you should have replaced the pot in the first place. Start again with trying to obtain the best quality type that fits the board, front panel and knob exactly and even if you can trim the shaft length OK, matching the rest of the "fit" dimensions may not be easy, unfortunately. When I can source them from a distributor, I choose "Alpha" brand pots because they are at least reasonable quality and come in a range of formats that cover the odd types fitted by manufacturers like Arcam. RS and Farnell stock a range of pots but you would need to check the dimensions like pin size, spacing, length, shaft size, flats or splined fit etc. carefully. Currently available, cheap DIY type pots will be too small and won't last anyway.
On the other hand, cleaner sprays and applicators can be useful, if expensive diagnostic tools when you find they don't last long. It tells you (ahem) that you should have replaced the pot in the first place. Start again with trying to obtain the best quality type that fits the board, front panel and knob exactly and even if you can trim the shaft length OK, matching the rest of the "fit" dimensions may not be easy, unfortunately. When I can source them from a distributor, I choose "Alpha" brand pots because they are at least reasonable quality and come in a range of formats that cover the odd types fitted by manufacturers like Arcam. RS and Farnell stock a range of pots but you would need to check the dimensions like pin size, spacing, length, shaft size, flats or splined fit etc. carefully. Currently available, cheap DIY type pots will be too small and won't last anyway.
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A spray can of that Servisol at £6.49 is a worthwhile investment.
Ian does a great job of describing the hurdles you must overcome when sourcing a direct physical replacement for the pot.
As I said at the outset, you may find that a daunting task!
Thank you all. The problem has been fixed with the use of servisol 10. I know it may come back, but at least it is working for a while longer. 🙂
