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AWA RADIOLA MOD 526
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Return to top of page · Post #: 1 · Written at 11:02:55 AM on 11 May 2022.
	Bowler Location: Bongaree, QLD Member since 26 October 2018 Member #: 2308 Postcount: 79
Good morning all, I am currently working on an awa model 526 (ac-dc) radio. It is working pretty well however when tuning there is a lot of static between stations. I have cleaned the tuning capacitor but it has no effect. Hoping someone can offer a cure for the above. Bowler

Return to top of page · Post #: 2 · Written at 12:34:33 PM on 11 May 2022.
	Tallar Carl Location: Latham, ACT Member since 21 February 2015 Member #: 1705 Postcount: 2155
Usually the outer vanes on the tuning cap would be rubbing. I usually get a tiny screwdriver and slightly push them apart all the way along. A squirt of wd40 can help.

Return to top of page · Post #: 3 · Written at 2:48:36 PM on 11 May 2022.
	Robbbert Location: Hill Top, NSW Member since 18 September 2015 Member #: 1801 Postcount: 2014
I find that sometimes the ball-bearings in the tuning capacitor get dirty and also there might be leaf springs in the middle between the sections. These can be sprayed with a tiny amount of WD-40 then run the dial from top to bottom and back, a few times. There might be a better recommended spray.

Return to top of page · Post #: 4 · Written at 4:55:49 PM on 11 May 2022.
	Bowler Location: Bongaree, QLD Member since 26 October 2018 Member #: 2308 Postcount: 79
Thanks Carl and Robbert WD-40 DID THE TRICK. Bowler

Return to top of page · Post #: 5 · Written at 5:17:22 PM on 11 May 2022.
	GTC Location: Sydney, NSW Member since 28 January 2011 Member #: 823 Postcount: 6687
QUOTE: There might be a better recommended spray. WD-40 'classic' formula is usually the product of last resort for me. Its MSDS reveals that it contains up to 60% CAS 64742-47-8 (kero), so it acts as a cleaner. It is definitely not a lubricant and it will dissolve some plastics. For lubing such things I use either light machine oil, or silicone spray.

Return to top of page · Post #: 6 · Written at 6:21:24 PM on 23 May 2022.
	Ian Robertson Location: Belrose, NSW Member since 31 December 2015 Member #: 1844 Postcount: 2371
Best way: Brasso, polish contacts, wash off with metho, followed by 1 or 2 drops of light machine oil. Silver contacts? Silvo, of course. This method is very long lasting, proven back in the days of turret tuners in TVs. The service history card would tell the story.

Return to top of page · Post #: 7 · Written at 12:05:44 AM on 24 May 2022.
	Marcc Location: Wangaratta, VIC Member since 21 February 2009 Member #: 438 Postcount: 5254
I get the feeling that somewhere close to 90% of That Brasso, Silver cleaner, toothpaste, & car polish is Sodium Bi Carbonate aka Baking Soda. It is only around 10% soluble in water at around room temp & is easily made into a mildly abrasive paste. Tuning gang shafts have brushes (brass) and dried out grease, or oil containing dirt or surface rust, on steel can insulate. Roller balls are not good conductors and electrical arcing will destroy them.

Return to top of page · Post #: 8 · Written at 10:11:15 PM on 24 May 2022.
	Brad Administrator Location: Naremburn, NSW Member since 15 November 2005 Member #: 1 Postcount: 7301
I was told once that Brasso and Silvo is ground pumice stone. I have never bothered to verify it though. ‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾ A valve a day keeps the transistor away...

Return to top of page · Post #: 9 · Written at 10:31:21 PM on 24 May 2022.
	DangerousDave Location: Toongabbie, VIC Member since 1 September 2020 Member #: 2438 Postcount: 130
Not sure I'd want to brush my teeth with Brasso

Return to top of page · Post #: 10 · Written at 11:13:26 PM on 24 May 2022.
	GTC Location: Sydney, NSW Member since 28 January 2011 Member #: 823 Postcount: 6687
Some years ago I noticed that Brasso's formula had changed and it became less effective, IMO.

Return to top of page · Post #: 11 · Written at 4:07:18 PM on 25 May 2022.
	Brad Administrator Location: Naremburn, NSW Member since 15 November 2005 Member #: 1 Postcount: 7301
It wouldn't taste very nice, not without some peppermint added. ‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾ A valve a day keeps the transistor away...

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