POST-WAR TENDER RESTORATION QUESTION

CRC cleaner (if you're referring to contact cleaner...I believe that there are several different products marketed under the CRC brand) is not the same as WD-40, which is essentially kerosene.

Yes I am referring to contact cleaner versus WD-40 in terms of efficacy and properties for the purposes of cleaning brushes and commutators.

WD40 is neither a cleaner or a lubricant.  Go with the CRC Contact Cleaner.  Also Radio Shack has theirs available on-line.

Jon

WD-40 is primarily kerosene.

Most aerosol "electronic contact cleaners" are primarily isopropyl alcohol with some naptha/butane - (many include other related proprietary chemical blends).

The "plastic safe" contact cleaners are generally 'safe' for our choo-choos are primarily isopropyl alcohol.

Old-fashioned mineral spirits are maybe the safest option for cleaning pre&post war motors and commutators. The varnish/shellac insulation on the motor windings that old pre&post war motors were made with can be spoiled by alcohol.

Thanks so much to all who responded.

I just started using CRC when I got back into trains 1.5 years ago.  I bought it to clean and degrease a 671 based on some discussions here.  It worked great.  I bought a couple more cans off and on, and then I finally bought a small case (6 cans).  It dries completely, but make sure you use it in a well ventilated area.

@POTRZBE posted:

Are CRC cleaner and WD-40 interchangeable as cleaners for brushes and commutators?

Not WD-40. Don't use that for brushes and commutators.

@woodsyT posted:

The varnish/shellac insulation on the motor windings that old pre&post war motors were made with can be spoiled by alcohol.

In what way?

Mike

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

In what way?

Mike

it's my understanding that alcohol acts as a solvent and softens and/or dissolves older shellac/varnish, damaging the very thin winding insulation. especially the older ones. an electrician I used to work with told me that years ago. I'm gonna try to look it up.

EDIT: modern motor windings generally have a vinyl/polyester type of coating. probably no worries if using alcohol with those ones

@woodsyT posted:

it's my understanding that alcohol acts as a solvent and softens and/or dissolves older shellac/varnish, damaging the very thin winding insulation. especially the older ones. an electrician i used to work with told me that years ago. i'm gonna try to look it up

Thanks.  Quite important to know.

Mike

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

Thanks.  Quite important to know.

Mike

right on.

I have used QDcontact cleaner on motor contacts sometimes, larger motors.

-- just want to be careful about getting the windings all wet/soaked

Q tips are valuable.  Tooth picks.  In general, whatever solvent you use, use as little as possible but still get the cleaning done.  The word  "soak"  worries me.

The most critical place, IMO, is the pair of little tubes that the brushes are in as the brushes need to be free to move and old carbon residue hardens and prevents this.  Hence a tiny bit of alcohol or cleaner and a Q tip gets the job done.  Perhaps a little compressed air on the brushplate.

Audiophiles swear on Caigs DioxIT D5  contact cleaner.  It must be good as it is rather costly.

I have used it to clean stereo receivers tuning switches with stacks of wafer switches with great success but it is probably an over kill for a eUnits, brushes and commutators.

Charlie

One warning:  Do NOT spray CRC onto sparking/arcing motors or E-units.  Don't ask me how I know. 

Mitch

Mitch, one might add WD-40 to that particular list.               John