Sticky tabs

[John Vanderlee]

This is in reference to an Allen ADC 3500, which I had questions about in another thread, regarding the capture board.

While excercising it I noticed several tabs returning only partially on cancel. While normally a slight push close to the fulcrum makes them snap either up or down, I felt some resistance throughout compared to the others. I had been told that sometimes the magnet rubs on the glass reed switch but that is not the case.
It should be known that this organ sat unused for a great number of years, could that have an effect on the pivot?

John

[myorgan]

It should be known that this organ sat unused for a great number of years, could that have an effect on the pivot?

John,

Is there a pivot point in the mechanism? Sometimes if an organ is in a moist environment, the pivot pins can become sluggish. John (jbird604) advised me some time ago to put a droplet of WD40 on each end of the pivot pin, and that solved my problem entirely. The organ in question came from coastal Alabama, and had been exposed to frequent humidity.

In Georgia, I know the climate tends to be moist year 'round, so it may be your issue. Hope this is helpful.

Michael

[tucsondave]

Allen recommends Tri-Flow lubricant (Sherwin-Williams) for stop bracket pivots, drawknobs and pistons. Use sparingly.
td

[John Vanderlee]

Thanks for the advice. I'l have to use a syringe though, that pivot is hard to get to on the rail!

[jbird604]

A tiny drop of any sensible light lubricant will fix this. You can just dip the tip of a toothpick in a little puddle of WD-40 and transfer the droplet to the spot where the metal pin on which the tab pivots is held in place. Sometimes there is a felt bushing, sometimes it is only a metal socket. Either way, the tiniest bit of lube is all it takes to free it up.

[John Vanderlee]

I was able to snake the flexible tube of some contact cleaner/ lubricant in between the tabs down to the pivot. A tiny spritz and all is well again. Hopefully I can get this organ to the youngster now who is waiting for it.

John