Crewlisle Posted January 17, 2017 Share Posted January 17, 2017 Because I was short on time I had someone install a decoder in a loco for me. It had to be hard wired & the installer wrapped it in black insulation tape to stop it shorting out on the chassis. I normally put the insulating tape on the chassis/body! When I unwrap it, will it be safe to gently remove any remaining 'gunge' left by the tape with a toothbrush & white spirit? Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
amdaley Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 Because I was short on time I had someone install a decoder in a loco for me. It had to be hard wired & the installer wrapped it in black insulation tape to stop it shorting out on the chassis. I normally put the insulating tape on the chassis/body! When I unwrap it, will it be safe to gently remove any remaining 'gunge' left by the tape with a toothbrush & white spirit? Peter To be honest Peter I would leave any residue there. If you need to stick it to the chassis use a piece of double side tape between the decoder & the chassis. If there was a way to clean it off I wouldn't use white spirits. White spirits is only good for thinning paint. If I wanted to clean anything I would use something like isopropyl alcohol. Maybe someone else will give you a better idea ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crewlisle Posted January 18, 2017 Author Share Posted January 18, 2017 How about Servisol 10? I have a can of it & use it on my switches, solenoid motors, etc.. Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Friedman Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 How about Servisol 10? I have a can of it & use it on my switches, solenoid motors, etc.. Peter Why do you need to clean it? If it's working correctly I would leave it alone. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Izzy Posted January 18, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 18, 2017 How about Servisol 10? I have a can of it & use it on my switches, solenoid motors, etc.. Peter They are designed to make electical contact better. The last thing you want to do is spray any liquid on a PCB - which is all a decoder is. All you are likely to do is create a short-circuit bridge between components somewhere and - poof - that's it gone. Izzy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crosland Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 We are not talking clean room hi-tech production, so white spirit will do it but wash thoroughly and dry afterwards. Acetone will also do it. Better is Isopropyl Alchohol (IPA). Perhaps better still, in these litigious, H&S conscious times, is a purpose made no-clean and carcinogen free cleaner designed for use on printed circuit boards, but I generally find they are c**p compared to IPA Servisol is designed to leave a residual lubricating film and is not suitable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crewlisle Posted January 19, 2017 Author Share Posted January 19, 2017 Thanks for all your suggestions. I have now removed the insulating tape & fortunately there was no residue. Moral of my tale is that if you can do it properly yourself, never mind the time factor but have some patience & save yourself some money! Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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