Re: How to clean and reuse an ignition switch.

On Sun, 16 Oct 2005 13:42:24 +0000, Anthony Fremont wrote:
> "Rich Grise" <rich@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>> If that doesn't work, try increasingly aggressive solvents - mineral
>> spirits (turpentine), benzene or toluene, MEK (but be extremely
>> careful - it will attack the plastic), and as a last resort, acetone.
>
> Just out of curiosity why acetone as the last resort? MEK seems allot
> more hazardous, is it not?

No, actually, MEK (methyl ethyl ketone, C2H5COCH3) is a bigger molecule
than acetone, which is dimethyl ketone, CH3COCH3 - it absorbs into your
skin slower, it has a higher flash point and lower vapor pressure - I
could look up the MSDS, but I'm way too lazy. :-) (looking up the formula
was trivial. :-) )

>> To lube it, get some dry graphite-based lubricant. The car parts store
>> should have someting along those lines.
>
> I don't think I'd lube the switch contact area with graphite, maybe
> dielectric grease to keep out moisture and prevent arcing. Graphite is
> good for lubing the pins and keyway though.

Yes - this is what I meant, and I apparently wasn't clear. Thanks for
the clarification.

But others have suggested some Lithium or Moly grease on the contacts,
which actually sounds like a rather good idea. It will keep them from
corroding, and the physical movement of the contacts will ensure a
good electrical contact, by the wiping action.

Thanks!
Rich

.

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