Tarnished variable capacitor plates - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Alan G0EAG · 14th May 2023, 7:58 pm

I am currently restoring a Heathkit RA1 receiver. The main tuning capacitor is dirty and the plates are tarnished. I have read in other posts about putting in the dishwasher, but not sure if this will clean the plates. Another option is brake / clutch cleaner, but not sure if this will clean the plates either. Any suggestions? Or do I just clean it and leave the plates tarnished?

AdrianH · 14th May 2023, 9:13 pm

See if this thread is of any use.

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=196397

Adrian

Cruisin Marine · 14th May 2023, 11:11 pm

Just leave them as they are if they work fine.

Alan G0EAG · 16th May 2023, 8:57 am

Thanks for the replies. Cleaned up the frame and used contact cleaner on the rotor. Decided to leave the tarnished vanes as is.

Radio Wrangler · 16th May 2023, 10:45 am

Dishwasher tablets will etch aluminium surfaces. Grease and muck will protect some areas from the cleaning/etching process leaving a messy surface.

Ultrasonic cleaning baths seem to be the tool of choice.

David

Aub · 16th May 2023, 3:39 pm

I heard someone say, on one of the VMARS AM morning nets, that they'd put a VC in the dish washer and it came up really good. They were concerned about the bearings though and thought they'd have to re grease them somehow.

Cheers

Sub

14th May 2023, 7:58 pm	#1
Alan G0EAG Triode Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Herne Bay, Kent, UK. Posts: 16	Tarnished variable capacitor plates I am currently restoring a Heathkit RA1 receiver. The main tuning capacitor is dirty and the plates are tarnished. I have read in other posts about putting in the dishwasher, but not sure if this will clean the plates. Another option is brake / clutch cleaner, but not sure if this will clean the plates either. Any suggestions? Or do I just clean it and leave the plates tarnished?

14th May 2023, 9:13 pm	#2
AdrianH Octode Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Blackburn with Darwen, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 1,572	Re: Tarnished variable capacitor plates See if this thread is of any use. https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=196397 Adrian __________________ Asking questions and learning, or trying to! Youtube EF91Valve

14th May 2023, 11:11 pm	#3
Cruisin Marine Heptode Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK. Posts: 992	Re: Tarnished variable capacitor plates Just leave them as they are if they work fine. __________________ "Behind every crowd, there's a silver Moonshine"

16th May 2023, 8:57 am	#4
Alan G0EAG Triode Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Herne Bay, Kent, UK. Posts: 16	Re: Tarnished variable capacitor plates Thanks for the replies. Cleaned up the frame and used contact cleaner on the rotor. Decided to leave the tarnished vanes as is.

16th May 2023, 10:45 am	#5
Radio Wrangler Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fife, Scotland, UK. Posts: 22,870	Re: Tarnished variable capacitor plates Dishwasher tablets will etch aluminium surfaces. Grease and muck will protect some areas from the cleaning/etching process leaving a messy surface. Ultrasonic cleaning baths seem to be the tool of choice. David __________________ Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done

16th May 2023, 3:39 pm	#6
Aub Nonode Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Nuneaton, Warwickshire, UK. Posts: 2,039	Re: Tarnished variable capacitor plates I heard someone say, on one of the VMARS AM morning nets, that they'd put a VC in the dish washer and it came up really good. They were concerned about the bearings though and thought they'd have to re grease them somehow. Cheers Sub __________________ Life's a long song, but the tune ends too soon for us all.