Fluid for cleaning 50yrs old Pots w/ Ultrasonic cleaner? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: StylinLP38
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 11:33:22 pm
content: Hi, can someone please advise me on what fluids to use in my new $30 Ultrasonic cleaner machine to clean the 50 years of corrosion on the treble and midrange pots in my Wharfedale w90 speakers? Just a squirt of Craig Detoxit will not cut it based on many others feedback trying. Some soaked them for 2 days in 99.999 iso.I dont want to use dishwashing soup in the machine but if someone could recommend the best off the shelf recipe for getting the job done? I know the best recipe for cleaning vinyal records in my record cleaning machine is 7 parts purified water, 2 parts 99.999 iso, and 1 drop of original unscented Dawn Ultra.Attached is a photo of my crossover with the pots.This forum will not allow me to upload a photo. I tried 140kb and 70kb version of the phono but the webpage just hangs there.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 11:49:17 pm
content: is there some reason why the pots can't be replaced completely? 50 years of corrosion is a pretty horrific mental image to me.

author: StylinLP38
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 11:56:16 pm
content: Yes, I would like to if I can source some nice ones. I beleive they say 50ohm on them. Thats what others have reported on the Audio Kharma forums. Its hard to read but I beleive it says 50ohm...Is that doable?

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2015, 12:03:06 am
content: 50R is easily doable, though nice pots will give your ultrasonic cleaner a run for its money (cost-wise).

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2015, 12:39:02 am
content: Given the age, you sure they're not L-pads?

author: katzohki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2015, 02:10:50 pm
content: You can put alcohol in an ultrasonic bath. I like to do that for cleaning a lot of things, but I haven't tried it on pots before.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2015, 02:13:22 pm
content: Quote from: katzohki on March 17, 2015, 02:10:50 pmYou too can create a highly flammable atmosphere of heated alcohol vapour!

author: katzohki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2015, 02:18:26 pm
content: Quote from: Monkeh on March 17, 2015, 02:13:22 pmKeep the lid on, well ventilated area etc etc. It's not like we're talking about UF6or tetraazidomethane here.

author: StylinLP38
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 17, 2015, 03:38:57 pm
content: Yes, they are L-Pads. I heard from others they had trouble sourcing 50ohm L-Lpads. Does anyone know where I can find any?My Ultrasonic cleaner is the cheap non-heated version but runs at 42,000hz

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2015, 03:40:12 pm
content: Quote from: StylinLP38 on March 17, 2015, 03:38:57 pmRun it for 10 minutes and tell me the fluid is still cold.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2015, 08:39:11 pm
content: Quote from: StylinLP38 on March 17, 2015, 03:38:57 pmYeah I was trying to make sure you don't try put a pot to replace the L-pad in the speaker. That won't work.The L-pads I've seen have all been sealed and built quite stoutly, do you want to crack them open?

author: Seekonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2015, 09:27:54 pm
content: Just don't use carbon tetrachloride. That will turn into phosgene gas (WWI) in contact with tank.

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2015, 10:13:59 pm
content: Quote from: Monkeh on March 17, 2015, 02:13:22 pmThe ultra high energy collapse of the micro bubbles in an ultrasonic can ignite the alcohol. In general, flammable liquids are not to be used in ultrasonic applications. I have owned and used industrial ultrasonics for years. The right detergent in the right concentration, at the right temperature is critical to getting the right result. Also, de-gassing after the initial heating is critical. I tried guessing my way through ultrasonic cleaning and got varying results. I pupt some research efforts into it and got what I wanted without damaging too many things.I use Alconox products for both metal and PCB's with excellent results. They have quite a catalog of options.http://www.alconox.com/

author: StylinLP38
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 17, 2015, 10:17:28 pm
content: rx8pilot yes, I found that product as well on Amazon and found they only sell it in 64oz and up quantities. I dont want to spend $100 on cleaning fluid. Wish they would sell it in 16oz bottles...

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2015, 10:43:12 pm
content: That would last you 10 lifetimesIf you contact them, they may be able to do samples. I sampled a lot of the options first before getting the big bottles. They are also sold by various scientific and medical companies in small qty's.The challenge is to clean without destroying so you sill need a delicate but effective solution. Otherwise it will not clean OR it will destroy the parts.

author: StylinLP38
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 18, 2015, 03:32:56 pm
content: I finally ordered this off Amazon for $17.Alconox 1232 Liquinox Anionic Critical Cleaning Liquid Detergent, 1 quart Bottle

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2015, 01:42:58 am
content: ok, not bad. From what I remember off hand, it needs to be heated to be effective and de-gassed. You also need DI or distilled water rinse. I used a metal bowl with the rinse and put in on top of the detergent. The ultrasonic energy goes right through the bowl into the DI water and you are all done. Don't let Liquinox dry on the part, have the rinse setup ready to go.