by submersing them in soapy water.

What is the recommended cleaning procedure for older equipment? Is
there a ham radio website that discusses refurbishing?


I used to 'wash' radios in a large downstairs kitchen sink (where my Mom
would make pickles!) when I was a teen - large sink filled with warm
lightly-soapy water - and let the entire radio soak (transformers and all)
for an hour or more, gently sponging the goo off bit by bit. All the
smoker's goo and age dust came off just fine in that time.

But the important part was letting it DRY. A LONG TIME. I would
let the rig dry for about 3 weeks before trying to power it up! (This was
in summer - maybe in winter I would wait longer).

Worked great on a Swan Cygnet 260 and a Hallicrafters S-85 receiver,
both of which I used for several years after. No problems at all after
full immersion in water. But patience is the key!!

The key was letting it THOROUGHLY DRY, including the inside of all
transformers (power and IF).

Dave