The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Wondering what different techniques that our members use for cleaning motors.

Blizz

Well, lately I've been using a product called "Krud Kutter", which seems to do a great job of removing old gunk, without the hazards of naphtha or other volatile petroleum distillates. Some spraying, and working with an old toothbrush....

Bill

I keep a five gallon pail with a lid on it that has about 2 gallons of mineral spirits in it. It cuts the old hard grease fast. I can only do this in nice weather since my wife objects to the smell. If she is doing laundry, the vaoprs end up making the clothes in the dryer smell.

Now, in winter, I use a product called Greased Lightning that I buy at Lowes. All parts get put in my ultrasonic cleaner that I use for clocks. You should see how the crud floats up off of feed screws using the ultrasonic cleaner! I then rinse in water, blow the parts dry with a compressor and then put them in denatured alcohol to remove any water. I then dry them again in a box with a hair dryer put into the side. It takes me longer in winter, but it is cheaper than a divorce.
Dave

I've tried mineral spirits, gasoline, Laqer Thinner and all work quite well but are smelly. Recently I tried automotive brake cleaner spray with good success as well. I figured if it cleans rusted dirty brakes just by spraying on, it should manage phonograph parts as well...
Andreas

a hydrocarbon based solvent (kerosene, gasoline, Etc.) will clean away typical petroleum jelly based grease. Other compounds may differ - I tried to clean a 1950's lawn mower with a gear lubed with a thick white compound. Kerosene would barely soften it.