I'm just getting back in to tube stereo for listening to music and as a
start I bought an old integrated amp/tuner. I took off the cover and,
although it works, it's really dirty inside. I'd like to just leave the
cover off so I can see the glowing tubes and I'd like to clean this amp.

Any suggestions on good and safe ways to clean an amp?

guitarPsych wrote:
I'm just getting back in to tube stereo for listening to music and as a
start I bought an old integrated amp/tuner. I took off the cover and,
although it works, it's really dirty inside. I'd like to just leave the
cover off so I can see the glowing tubes and I'd like to clean this amp.

Any suggestions on good and safe ways to clean an amp?

If it is really scuzzy (lots of tobacco residue, old mouse ****, etc.)
strip any vulnerable parts from the chassis (and few if any are
vulnerable), tape off any transformer and inductor openings, and put it
in a dishwasher with no heating on the cycle (not joking). Then leave
it in a closet with a running dehumidfier for a week, or use another
effective means of long, thorough drying at low humidity before
energizing it.

If it is only dust i use a small air compressor and a small paint
brush.Rick


In article .com,
wrote:


guitarPsych wrote:
I'm just getting back in to tube stereo for listening to music and as a
start I bought an old integrated amp/tuner. I took off the cover and,
although it works, it's really dirty inside. I'd like to just leave the
cover off so I can see the glowing tubes and I'd like to clean this amp.

Any suggestions on good and safe ways to clean an amp?

If it is really scuzzy (lots of tobacco residue, old mouse ****, etc.)
strip any vulnerable parts from the chassis (and few if any are
vulnerable), tape off any transformer and inductor openings, and put it
in a dishwasher with no heating on the cycle (not joking). Then leave
it in a closet with a running dehumidfier for a week, or use another
effective means of long, thorough drying at low humidity before
energizing it.


Rick Yerke
101 William St
PO Box 392
Moscow Pa. 18444
USA

Something in between the two extremes. First, a good compressed air blow to
remove most of dirt. Then an old toothbrush or a paint brush (used dry) to
clean "hidden" corners, then a soft cotton cloth dampened with water or
alcohol (better both at 50%). Use the toothbrush to push the cloth through
narrow spaces.
If it is still dirt, mild soap can be used instead of water to clean greasy
spots. As a chemical engineer, I never suggest using "strange" detergents
on surfaces of unknown chemical nature, it is very easy to destroy an old
lacquer / varnish. Common "Marseille" soap is the best. Then leave it to
dry for many days.
I'd go progressively from very mild to very strong methods.. the scope is
to clean it, not to dissolve it, I presume.
Contacts can be cleaned with deoxidiser spray an cotton fiocs. Remember to
be gentle. Then pick a very small plier and CAREFULLY re-tension socket
clips, if You dare

Ciao

Fabio



"Rick Yerke" ha scritto nel messaggio
...
If it is only dust i use a small air compressor and a small paint
brush.Rick


In article .com,
wrote:


guitarPsych wrote:
I'm just getting back in to tube stereo for listening to music and as a
start I bought an old integrated amp/tuner. I took off the cover and,
although it works, it's really dirty inside. I'd like to just leave the
cover off so I can see the glowing tubes and I'd like to clean this amp.

Any suggestions on good and safe ways to clean an amp?

If it is really scuzzy (lots of tobacco residue, old mouse ****, etc.)
strip any vulnerable parts from the chassis (and few if any are
vulnerable), tape off any transformer and inductor openings, and put it
in a dishwasher with no heating on the cycle (not joking). Then leave
it in a closet with a running dehumidfier for a week, or use another
effective means of long, thorough drying at low humidity before
energizing it.


Rick Yerke
101 William St
PO Box 392
Moscow Pa. 18444
USA

Putting it in the dishwasher works very well, I've also found that a
hydrostatic paint sprayer and mineral spirits makes a nice improvished
pressure washer.

Frank