ignition switch alittle .....gritty

caldreamin · Post by **caldreamin** » Sun May 10, 2009 11:28 pm

the ignition switch is a bit ...gritty, should I spray some tef-lube/wd-40 or something in it or should I take it apart and try to clean it somehow, just seems dry and gritty.

305 · Post by **305** » Mon May 11, 2009 1:06 pm

i wouldn't use wd-40 or anything similar. Permatex makes an spray called Electrical Contact Cleaner. it is nonflammable and most important non conductive

caldreamin · Post by **caldreamin** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 12:07 am

I looked for the permatex stuff but could not find it.........................

e3steve · Post by **e3steve** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 5:45 pm

Cal, WD40 will work fine at cleaning and lubing your combo switch, although, if it's really bad, I'd favour sitting the contact end in a jar with an inch (or so) of diesel first. Work the switch several times through every position, whilst in the diesel, then leave it overnight; shake it out (or sheik it out, if you speak Arabic) then spray liberally into the contact mech with WD40. Finally, blast it out with an air nozzle, if you have access to one. You can buy aerosol compressed air from most electronics suppliers.

Try to keep the key barrel tumblers un-lubed by oily substances; rub the key with a soft pencil or use powdered graphite, which won't attract dust & grit. Locksmiths sell a dry lock lube.

WD40 is not conductive at 12VDC; most contact cleaner is until it flashes off. Also, WD isn't particularly flammable below 55ºC / 130ºF; about 50ºC when atomised.

As an aside, WD40 or other oil-based liquid will cause arcing and burning if sprayed and left on ignition points! Always clean points' facings with an alcohol wipe.

Useless, little-known fact: WD40's base constituent is............... fish oil!

caldreamin · Post by **caldreamin** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 11:02 pm

Thanx Steve, another little known WD40 fact..,. My name is Dave...and I'm 40 and I have been known to be....well.... Wasted, so WD40= "WASTED DAVE 40" ??

e3steve · Post by **e3steve** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 3:06 am

caldreamin wrote:Thanx Steve, another little known WD40 fact..,. My name is Dave...and I'm 40 and I have been known to be....well.... Wasted, so WD40= "WASTED DAVE 40" ??

Arf! Nice one, son!

nevada72 · Post by **nevada72** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 9:22 am

If you do take it apart, be very careful. The parts go in a very specific, and non-uniform way and the ball bearings will easily get away. I took mine apart in a soda flat to make sure I had control of flying parts. Also, the plastic cracks very easily when you bend the metal fingers that hold the assembly together - do dot pry against it for leverage. I didn't pay close enough attention when I took mine apart and forgot how the 3 metal contacts are positioned. There were some other issues so I ended up getting another one on Ebay (It's the same as the one in a CA95 fyi and probably the ca160 too). It was "grittier" than mine so this time I was more careful when taking it apart. The Ebay one had some problems too so I used the best parts from both. Prior to assembly I cleaned them with a cloth sprayed with, oddly enough, WD40. That was all the lube I used. I reassembeled (correctly this time) and it works like a charm for over a year.

I think over time the parts break down a bit and dust gets in there.