Automatic Electric Leaking Transmission Unit (Network)

[USWCboy]

I am currently working with an AE Type 90 wall telephone. Upon disassembly of the telephone I noticed a thick sticky substance inside the base plate. Thinking it was from years and years of sitting who knows where, I proceeded to disassemble the telephone. Once I finally got to removing the network, I noticed that it seemed to be glued in place. Once I finally removed it, I noted the backing paper on the network seemed wet with the sticky substance. I peeled back the paper to reveal the source of the leaking. It appears to be a pitch like substance, something I have seen used on buried cables out in the field. What I would like to know is:
1. Is it worth cleaning the grease/pitch out of the existing AE network?
2. Should I forgo cleaning it out and just replace it with a WECO network, something like a 425B network - or smaller?

[5415551212]

Was the phone stored someplace hot hot like an attic or left in a  car in the summer heat?
As you guessed its probably some sort of dielectric grease to keep moisture out of the network, that has oozed out. I would try to put that genie back in the bottle perhaps glue it back together.
Then clean the exterior of the network. 

[TelePlay]

1. Is it worth cleaning the grease/pitch out of the existing AE network?
2. Should I forgo cleaning it out and just replace it with a WECO network, something like a 425B network - or smaller?

1) I would not clean out the network; that potting material protected the components from impacts and moisture. As was suggested, put it back together, seal the joint and clean the exterior. Wear gloves because that putting material may be hazardous.

2) Using a different network theoretically would work but wiring it in would be a major task, the AE and WE circuits are not the same. Then there is the question of if another manufacturer's network would fit into your phone.

And, I think you would have a hard time finding an identical relevant, those AE rarely if ever show up on eBay.

[USWCboy]

I appreciate the reply back in this! I kind of guessed that putting it back together would be the right answer. I was holding out hope that perhaps someone has tried to wire in a WECO network, but I also understand and agree that they are very different circuits between the two manufacturers. In terms of what happened to cause this, I have no idea. This was a set I found on my way home in Omaha, NE. It sat in my pending inventory for many years while I decided how best to restore it.

I reckon what I'll do with it, is to clean it up as best as possible, place some wax paper that would be in direct contact with the grease, then place a small heavy duty plastic like Mylar to ensure no bleed through and finally some new card board to remount it inside the phone.

I'll post pictures of the cleaned up set once done.

[poplar1]

You can use an AE network from an AE 80 desk phone, AE 90 wall phone, or probably from an AE 182 Starlite. There are newer networks -- not potted -- in more recently manufactured 80s, 90s, and Starlites. There is a "wanted" section on this forum. 

[dsk]

I appreciate the reply back in this! I kind of guessed that putting it back together would be the right answer. I was holding out hope that perhaps someone has tried to wire in a WECO network, but I also understand and agree that they are very different circuits between the two manufacturers. In terms of what happened to cause this, I have no idea. This was a set I found on my way home in Omaha, NE. It sat in my pending inventory for many years while I decided how best to restore it.

I reckon what I'll do with it, is to clean it up as best as possible, place some wax paper that would be in direct contact with the grease, then place a small heavy duty plastic like Mylar to ensure no bleed through and finally some new card board to remount it inside the phone.

I'll post pictures of the cleaned up set once done.

Sounds like a good solution. If you dont get it working it should be possible to use other makes of network, but of course with some extra work.  I look forward to se how it turns out.