On ebay, a company (RF Giardina from Oyster Bay NY) is selling armature cleaner for motors of toy trains. Does anybody have any "experience" with or knowledge of this cleaner. I understand that one must be careful about what is used-especially not to dissolve the insulation around the windings-and so even seemingly innocuous liquids like alcohol are potentially harmful. Thanks in advance, turtle7
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Pencil eraser
Careful! I would only use "plastic safe" cleaners. To clean the motor as unit, or components. CRC QD is the one I currently like best.
NEVER use cleaners that are "concentrates", or that include water- the armatures are made of steel or iron. Simple Green (70% water). Maybe Denatured Alcohol- also known as "stove fuel"- so, hint- it's flammable! 70%- 90% Isopropyl Alcohols also contain water.
Commutators can be cleaned using the denatured alcohol, or the contact cleaner- or even a pencil eraser. Then use a toothpick (won't scratch) to clean carbon out of the segments/ separators.
I agree with Mike. Sold at Home Depot.
Naphtha (aka Lighter Fluid) will do the job and it won't dissolve any insulation. Personally, I use that or Isopropyl Alcohol and I've never had an issue with the insulation. I also use my home made Scotchbrite Dremel polisher to clean them up.
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