lubricating stop action magnets - advice sought

[circa1949]

Hello. The moving stops on my Allen 1140 are getting a bit sluggish. </p>

Firstly, what is the recommended lubricant? I think I can dredge up around the house:</p>

graphite key lubricant</p>

teflon bike chain lub (would have to use a qtip or something, it's in an aerosol can)</p>

WD-40 (same, I don't have the form that comes in a pen but could go buy it)</p>

3 in 1 oil (seems risky)</p>

Mobil 1 synthetic (risky too)</p>

Dexoit contact cleaner. but doesn't seem very lubricating after the oleic acid evaporates.</p>

Also, in the capture power supply there is a big honking Mallory capacitor. I was told by the designer of the ADC organs these seldom fail, but wouldn't they eventually have less capacitance and hence ability to move the stops? I'm almost wondering whether attempting to lubricate the stuck ones is even a good idea. They work about 1/2 the time. Perhaps the power rail just needs more juice? (and even if I used a slightly bigger capacitor, it's still going to charged to same voltage by the PS, right, so there's no way I would damage the switching components, right?)</p>

There are stop keys for those not familiar with the model...not drawknobs.</p>




</p>

</p>

[circa1949]

stop action fixed for now - key springs anybody?



Aaahhhh found a temporary fix. I pulled her back from the wall and had a look inside. Ages ago I'd set the capture power supply to "LOW" instead of "HIGH" because the movement is quieter on low. Well, high definitely makes all of them move but they have a louder thump. I know the felt can be replaced by that seems like a really involved job for a non-tech, wouldn't every stop key have to be removed? Oh well. Poor Allen made their organs too reliable. All you have to do after 20 years is flip a switch and it fixes the problem haha. Still I might order one of those giant capacitors, they are getting harder to find.</p>

Also while I have the organ pulled I'm reminded I one day was going to replace all the key springs. That doesn't seem like it would be too difficult. Anybody know of a source besides Allen? The keys are a little mushy.</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>