Antioxidant cleaners for cleaning tube sockets

Jeffrec

Jeffrec

New member
I recently cleaned the sockets on my Crate VC5212, because the popping and static noises returned a while after I re-tubed the amp (power tubes only. I'm now thinking the real problem is with the preamp tubes). Anyway, I used Radio Shack tuner cleaning spray on the tube pins and the sockets themselves. The spray I used has a lubricant in it. When searching the net, some folks are saying to use only an antioxidant that does not have a lubricant in it, and others are saying it doesn't matter. Does anyone here have any experience with this? Thanks in advance.
 
Re: Antioxidant cleaners for cleaning tube sockets

I'm pretty sure the lube would act as an anti-oxidant. I mean, it's basically an oil, and oils don't typically allow for the passing of oxygen, so there can be no oxidation.
 
Re: Antioxidant cleaners for cleaning tube sockets

DrNewcenstein said:
I'm pretty sure the lube would act as an anti-oxidant. I mean, it's basically an oil, and oils don't typically allow for the passing of oxygen, so there can be no oxidation.
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Thanks. That does make sense. Unfortunately, the problem (static and popping) still exists, but like I said, I think it's a bad pre-amp tube. The sockets needed cleaning. the amp is at least 18-years old.
 
Re: Antioxidant cleaners for cleaning tube sockets

Jeffrec said:
I recently cleaned the sockets on my Crate VC5212, because the popping and static noises returned a while after I re-tubed the amp (power tubes only. I'm now thinking the real problem is with the preamp tubes). Anyway, I used Radio Shack tuner cleaning spray on the tube pins and the sockets themselves. The spray I used has a lubricant in it. When searching the net, some folks are saying to use only an antioxidant that does not have a lubricant in it, and others are saying it doesn't matter. Does anyone here have any experience with this? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Jeff....I only use Caig Deoxit on all of my electronic stuff...
 
Re: Antioxidant cleaners for cleaning tube sockets

STRATDELUXER97 said:
Jeff....I only use Caig Deoxit on all of my electronic stuff...
Click to expand...

Thanks John,

That seems to the most recommended brand on the net. I'm going to pick some up this weekend, test the tubes, and do another cleaning. I'd like to get the Crate up and running and sell it. Since I got the Carvin Nomad, I'm hooked.
 
Re: Antioxidant cleaners for cleaning tube sockets

Jeffrec said:
Thanks John,

That seems to the most recommended brand on the net. I'm going to pick some up this weekend, test the tubes, and do another cleaning. I'd like to get the Crate up and running and sell it. Since I got the Carvin Nomad, I'm hooked.
Click to expand...

The stuff isn't cheap Jeff,but the larger spray can of it will last a long time.
 
Re: Antioxidant cleaners for cleaning tube sockets

If it's making the noise when the knobs are turned (or sometimes not), then you need to spray the knobs. I've got a couple of old rack units that crackle and pop when you adjust the knobs. Even when the noise clears up, and thus the knobs aren't being turned, sometimes it comes back, so it's the knobs on mine, at least.
 
Re: Antioxidant cleaners for cleaning tube sockets

DrNewcenstein said:
If it's making the noise when the knobs are turned (or sometimes not), then you need to spray the knobs. I've got a couple of old rack units that crackle and pop when you adjust the knobs. Even when the noise clears up, and thus the knobs aren't being turned, sometimes it comes back, so it's the knobs on mine, at least.
Click to expand...

It happens when I first hit the standby on after the amp has warmed up a few minutes with just the power switch on, then quiets down. Later I get a fluctuation in volume. From what I'm seeing on other websites, it looks like it's a tube issue too.
 
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