CAIG MCL aka DeoxIT Fader Lube Results

[ToneMerc]

Just thought I would post some results of using CAIG fader lube on 6 vintage Fender 30% taper 250KA amp pots that I had culled because of their lower value. Normally I dont bother to clean or treat pots that don't meet a certain value so these had been just sitting.


212.3> 267.3

215.1> 220.8

209.8> 220.7

216.1> 228.3

212.7> 208.6

211.2> 218.5


TM

[Reeltarded]

Excellent!

[Blackburn]

If only we could spray tubes for the same results...

[David Root]

Cosmic coincidence, a few days ago I cleaned a couple of old Clarostat 1M pots with Faderlube because the feel turning them was not good, felt physically scratchy, like the wiper was bumping over the track.

I checked them at the time and found no significant difference before and after, as I recall. I'll be a bit more observant in future!

[Leo_Gnardo]

What? Schpritzing some DeOxit changed the value of 5 out of 6 pots upwards, in one case by 25%? That is - - - unusual. Uncanny even. I will have to try this at home, just to see what happens.

I use DeOxit all the time. Never expected it would change the overall resistance of a potentiometer track. Wonder if the change is permanent.

[sepulchre]

Is that the same as DeOxit - D5?

[vibratoking]

I use DeOxit all the time. Never expected it would change the overall resistance of a potentiometer track. Wonder if the change is permanent.

I suspect it is not changing the resistance of the track. It is most likely changing the resistance of the wiper to track contact point. Probably some foreign substance was washed out. These measurements probably won't not hold infinitely into the future.

[martin manning]

Could the lube perhaps be increasing the resistance of the phenolic substrate by displacing moisture?

[ToneMerc]

I use DeOxit all the time. Never expected it would change the overall resistance of a potentiometer track. Wonder if the change is permanent.

I suspect it is not changing the resistance of the track. It is most likely changing the resistance of the wiper to track contact point. Probably some foreign substance was washed out. These measurements probably won't not hold infinitely into the future.

My thoughts was that it washed away foreign material as well, which would have taken them back to new or nearly new condition. If that s the case, why would't the measurements stay the same?

TM

[vibratoking]

Could the lube perhaps be increasing the resistance of the phenolic substrate by displacing moisture?

Good thought Martin. I didn't think of that. Not sure if that is the case or how deep into the substrate it might remove moisture.

My thoughts was that it washed away foreign material as well, which would have taken them back to new or nearly new condition. If that s the case, why would't the measurements stay the same?

I would guess nearly new condition due to physical wear on the wiper and track. They might not stay the same for the same reason they didn't the first time. They will continue to get dirty and suffer more wear. Don't know how long the process is, but used,cleaned pots tend to decline faster than new ones IME.

[ToneMerc]

I would guess nearly new condition due to physical wear on the wiper and track. They might not stay the same for the same reason they didn't the first time. They will continue to get dirty and suffer more wear. Don't know how long the process is, but used,cleaned pots tend to decline faster than new ones IME.

Don't think it's a worn track as they are NOS.

TM

[vibratoking]

Sorry, I thought you said they were vintage. I don't remember anything about NOS.

[ToneMerc]

Sorry, I thought you said they were vintage. I don't remember anything about NOS.

Futher clarification, 70's vintage NOS.

TM

[Structo]

Interesting results.
I would be curious if, say a month or so later, if they hold those values?

I don't think you should use D5 on pots. (someone correct me if wrong)

It is more for contact cleaning for jacks, plugs, tube pins and sockets, etc.
It can damage carbon tracks and plastics.

I have used the Gold G5 for pots and other things that may have plastic parts.

I don't have any Fader Lube but I should get some.

[overtone]

Yes, this thread reminded me to get F5 FaderLube, thanks!
I was using the gold and probably wrecked a few pots by using the D5 before that.
The F5 came in yesterday.