Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Identification, Repair & Restoration => Telephone Troubleshooting and Repair => Topic started by: BDM on February 05, 2009, 02:40:19 PM

Title: Results of AE dial cleaning
Post by: BDM on February 05, 2009, 02:40:19 PM
Well, sorry I didn't take before pics. It would show how dramatic that results are. Anyhow, this dial was fairly well corroded underneath, and on the inside. Plus it was just about inoperable as a dial could get, minus broken parts. So, with nothing to lose, I removed the dial plate, which exposed the gear set on the inside. I then stuck it in my ultra sonic parts cleaner(dishwasher may also work) for a total of 10 minutes. The ultra sonic cleaner was filled with a mixture of water and degreaser. Then, I used canned pressurized air to blow it clean and dry. Then I let it sit near my heat register to insure the moisture is out......Then, nice light oiling to insure clean operation.

The dial looks and operates perfectly. All the grime and crud is long gone inside and out ;D

(http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/2659251/sn/288697226/name/AE+dial+1.jpg)

(http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/2659251/sn/1494094479/name/AE+dial+2.jpg)
Title: Re: Results of AE dial cleaning
Post by: Dennis Markham on February 05, 2009, 03:08:33 PM
It looks good.  What phone does it belong to?
Title: Re: Results of AE dial cleaning
Post by: BDM on February 05, 2009, 03:39:39 PM
AE40, speaking of which. I just won this one. Looks pretty clean.
http://tinyurl.com/baflgb

Title: Re: Results of AE dial cleaning
Post by: HobieSport on February 05, 2009, 03:47:24 PM
That AE40 that you just won does look good.
BTW, any ideas how to clean these AE40 dials without a sonic cleaner or a dishwasher?  Just warm soapy water and a toothbrush, or is something stronger in order?
Title: Re: Results of AE dial cleaning
Post by: BDM on February 05, 2009, 04:03:22 PM
Quote from: HobieSport on February 05, 2009, 03:47:24 PM
That AE40 that you just won does look good.
BTW, any ideas how to clean these AE40 dials without a sonic cleaner or a dishwasher?  Just warm soapy water and a toothbrush, or is something stronger in order?

Ultra sonic cleaners are cheap. They're all over Ebay. Otherwise, you'll need to disassemble the dial and properly clean it. A problem can arise with plastic parts depending on the type of cleaners you use. Also, I would try it on more intricate dials like W.E. 7 8 and 9 series dials.

We'll see how clean it is when it arrives. I've been fooled before by supposed clean pics :-\
Title: Re: Results of AE dial cleaning
Post by: benhutcherson on February 05, 2009, 05:28:42 PM
I've used an ultrasonic cleaner several times before as a means of cleaning individual parts, however I've not ever used one on an assembled dial.

I'll have to try that, as it would certainly be a whole lot easier than disassembling one.

By the way, I generally use straight acetone on metal parts, or use straight 200 proof(denatured) grain alcohol on parts with rubber of plastic.
Title: Re: Results of AE dial cleaning
Post by: BDM on February 05, 2009, 05:56:17 PM
Quote from: benhutcherson on February 05, 2009, 05:28:42 PM
I've used an ultrasonic cleaner several times before as a means of cleaning individual parts, however I've not ever used one on an assembled dial.

I'll have to try that, as it would certainly be a whole lot easier than disassembling one.

By the way, I generally use straight acetone on metal parts, or use straight 200 proof(denatured) grain alcohol on parts with rubber of plastic.

I've often thought about it, and thought "why not" on this dial. It's an AE dial, so if anything went wrong(couldn't imaging what), I had nothing to lose. They're easy to come by. But, everything went well, and better than expected. I'm ready to stick it in which ever phone I decide.

Now, it seems to me, W.E. dials are a bit more complicated in design. Seems there are more parts, large and small. Again, I wouldn't worry much. My biggest fear was making sure the dial was completely dry before reassembly. What I did was easy, cheap, and far less time consuming. Others may disagree. I'm not calling it brilliant (it's not), just another idea for more common dials that have little to moderate crud/gunk. Beats possibly doing damage due to improper disassembly. Also, if you have a dial, especially a W.E. that is really bad or rusted, then a complete disassembly & cleaning will be in order. No way around it.
Title: Re: Results of AE dial cleaning
Post by: Dennis Markham on February 05, 2009, 06:05:39 PM
Brian, that AE40 looks good.  Although the seller says the ringer wouldn't work, it looks like a straight line ringer.  Probably just not wired properly.  Good buy.