RossGreat! Someone who is familiar with both R-390s and clocks!From what I
have read concerning lubrication of clockworks, one does not lube gears, only
pivot points.IIRC, the R-390/URR manual says that it is better to not lube then
to over lube.Comments?Regards,Jim
Logic: Method used to arrive at the wrong conclusion, with confidence. Murphy
On Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:23:48 PM CST, ROSS HOCHSTRASSER
<[email protected]> wrote:
Hi all, My approach may be be a bit different as I have been in the clock
repair business for over 40 years. I did this R-390 restoration over ten years
ago. when I see gears, I was taught to disassemble everything that can be
disassembled and CLEAN it. I have lots of pictures that I can send to anyone
who wants to see them. Here are two showing the level of disassembly I was able
to achieve. The results are pretty and pretty successful mechanically. As
someone has already mentioned, WD-40 is NOT a lubricant, although it can be
useful de-gunking things before disassembly as long as it can be completely
rinsed out. I use a heated ultrasonic cleaner with an ammoniated solution,
water rinse and heat drying. If there is any interest, I can be contacted via
email here or directly , my email address is good on QRZ 73 W1EKG
> On 02/12/2026 2:27 PM EST Jim Whartenby via R-390 <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>
> All of these comments seem to be about what works best for the individual who
> is responding. It is all opinion based of which one is as valid as another.
> I bought the WD-40 in a gallon container. At the time, this was the cheapest
> all purpose solvent at Lowes some 15 years ago. I still have half of that
> gallon remaining after cleaning three R-390A receiver gear trains.
>
> I checked the gallon Naphtha back panel, it says to not use it as a general
> purpose cleaner. As mentioned already, brake cleaner is quite harsh. I am
> sure that none of these products are healthy but it seems that WD-40 is the
> most versatile. Perhaps WD-40 does not do all things very well but it seems
> to be good enough for my purposes. It along with a detergent gets the job
> done.
>
> Enclosed is an analysis of what is in WD-40. It seems to be mostly white
> spirits #1 aka mineral spirits #1 with other additives to act as light
> lubricants such as mineral oil. Since I use several solvents in my cleaning
> process, I don't feel that I am leaving any one as a residue that may harm
> the geartrain. The smell does not bother me as I use it only when I'm
> outside. I am pleased with the results as I am sure that the other solvents
> already mentioned work as well for those who mentioned them.
> Regards,
> Jim
> Logic: Method used to arrive at the wrong conclusion, with confidence.
> Murphy
>
> On Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 08:44:22 PM CST, Spence Barton via
>R-390 <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> I totally agree with this. First I can't stand the smell of WD-40. Some
> say it's got kerosene in it and some other stuff. Kerosene isn't my
> first choice for a cleaning solvent anyway. I definitely don't need or
> want the other stuff in it. Naphtha (white gas) is fabulous. It's a
> great solvent for grease. Won't affect most paints or decals. Cleans up
> great. Doesn't cost much.
>
> On 2/11/2026 2:43 PM, Barry wrote:
> > I'm not a fan of WD-40 for cleaning. It really wasn't it's purpose. I
> > like naphtha for a grease and oil cleaner followed by synthetic oil
> > judiciously where needed.
> >
> > Barry - N4BUQ
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