Is using ammonia to clean coils really a good idea ? - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: Is using ammonia to clean coils really a good idea ? (/showthread.php?tid=16606)

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Is using ammonia to clean coils really a good idea ? - Ukhorse - 05-03-2017

I have read throughout forums that using ammonia to clean coils to neutralize the acid from the plastic breaking down is a good idea before rewinding.
However I have also read that ammonia removes varnish, which is what the wire is coated with.
I can attest that ammonia will indeed remove varnish from coils.
So the big questions are is the ammonia to be diluted, what ratio, and how long of an application ?
OR is there a better alternative to remove the risk from eating the varnish away and still neutralizing the acidic surface ?

Also while we are on this subject, on Philco 70, 90 the primary is 32 awg.
Has anyone rewound the secondary and what gage did you use ? Were you successful ?

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RE: Is using ammonia to clean coils really a good idea ? - Arran - 05-03-2017

Don't do it, ammonia reacts with copper in a very negative way, same with brass, not quite like an acid but it can make it brittle. I would use something like baking soda or washing soda to neutralize acid if you are worried about it, at least it won't damage the copper.
Regards
Arran

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RE: Is using ammonia to clean coils really a good idea ? - Ukhorse - 05-04-2017

This is a link that references ammonia.  I think I will stick with baking soda.
http://www.philcorepairbench.com/tips/svctip36.htm

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RE: Is using ammonia to clean coils really a good idea ? - Kestas - 05-05-2017

In my lab I sometimes use regular soap to neutralize after acid treatment. Really anything alkaline should work.

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