Use Brakleen to clean rheostat?

[eldorado99]

Quick question, can I use Brakleen parts cleaner to clean a rheostat (potentionmeter) from an audio receiver? or will it wreck the insides of it? I don't have any contact cleaner right now...

 

[Howard]

What's dirtying it?

 

[Rubycon]

Rheostat and potentiometer are often used in the same context however rheostat often means wirewound which implies higher power handling. Indeed the wiper and winding configuration of a wirewound rheostat could probably tolerate the harsh volatile organic solvents used in brake cleaner.

Audio receivers, on the other hand; will use carbon trace potentiometers or conductive plastic variable resistors. Both of these can be severely damaged or destroyed by cleaning with brake cleaner!

If the pots are noisy and indeed they can make crackling or strange noises when turned; I'd recommend a specific cleaner.
Caig is a good brand of cleaner/conditioner and we use that exclusively here to clean all our sliding pots on mixers.

 

[Throckmorton]

Rubycon = Miles O'Brien

 

[BoomerD]

Ruby, any experience with CorrosionX?
http://www.corrosionx.com/

I've used it for years with great success, both in marine applications as well as electronics and automotive electrical.
IMO, it's better than most contact cleaners, because not only does it clean, it protects.

 

[Pacfanweb]

I'd probably not use BrakeKleen. Wait and get some electrical parts cleaner.

 

[eldorado99]

Thanks for the advice guys!

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
Ruby, any experience with CorrosionX?
http://www.corrosionx.com/

I've used it for years with great success, both in marine applications as well as electronics and automotive electrical.
IMO, it's better than most contact cleaners, because not only does it clean, it protects.

I haven't use it. I contacted a Caig rep and was given samples of "survival kits" and the results have been very positive. These are also conditioners as well and will maintain excellent contact over time.

 

[BoomerD]

Working maritime construction, we often had very sensitive electronic systems on the boats and barges. CorrosionX was a staple in every tool crib. Fluid Film was another staple, but hardly what the OP needs for his application...

 

[OrganizedChaos]

careful, that stuff can do a number on some kinds of plastic.