[markmokris]

I tried to shoot some DeOxit inside the volume control for my Model 89 cathedral. I sprayed it down the shaft and around the perimeter of the hood. It made it a lot worse. It basically is not working at all now. I replaced it.

Is this not a pot that tolerates DeOxit?

Mark K8KZ

[Chuck Schwark]

Good chance the De-Ox-It dissolved some grease or oil in the 
shaft bushing and spread it around the carbon track and wiper 
causing dead and intermittent spots.

Chuck

[klondike98]

In a recent post Phlogiston mentioned that some of the Philco pots can be destroyed with the Deoxit D5 product and that the plastic safe (green) deoxit is better if you have to use it.

[Chuck Schwark]

I only use the "Green" at work and my home bench.

Chuck
 
 

[morzh]

Mee too. Greeen. The fader lube one.
Typically I open the pot, I do not think it works well without it, and without really cleaning the resistor (sometimes alcohol takes it all off...all off) just add a smidge of lithium grease mixed with deoxit. Or maybe spray it first with it and then add that smidge of the mix.

[Arran]

 Before you toss the original control, I would open it up for an autopsy, chances are that it may be salvageable. I for one have never used DeOxit on a potentiometer, I take them apart and clean them with mineral spirits followed by rubbing alcohol, if they are really stiff I will sometimes remove the "C" clip and pull the shaft and wiper out to clean out the control's bushing as well.
Regards
Arran

[Radioroslyn]

I'm a WD-40 kinda guy for pots. Deoxit for switches. But if your ohm reading was not consistent across the whole range of the resistance of the pot it's probably shot to start with. 1933 was a long time ago!!

Terry

[morzh]

You don't say....

[codefox1]

Agree, sometimes there is so much "gunk" along the shaft that the control becomes paralyzed upon spraying, no matter what. Then there are a few odd-ball potentiometers that have had their carbon tracks dissolved by otherwise trusted and respected "universal" cleaners. WD-40 applied with a toothpick to loosen shaft to body after a squirt of Deoxit into the body and several turns back and forth followed by a few hours of rest and drainage has been helpful in many cases. A tiny bit of light machine oil like "3 in1" again applied with a toothpick can help maintain the smooth operation of the control sleeve.