TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Jul 13, 2025 3:56 pm

I foolishly (yes, I know) squirted some WD40 penetrating oil on a semaphore a year or so back,as it seemed to be sticking…as it was, it probably just needed a cleaner earth or cleaner wiring contacts

Then I read don’t do this, as it can will short out the solenoid…

I’ve waited some months, hoping the wd40 would evaporate, before trying again, but it smokes a little when I go to fire her up

Assuming I haven’t burnt it out:
Does anyone have any tips on how to clean it up/decontaminate it?

I’m also wondering whether it is possible/easy to remove the solenoid rod to clean the rod/inside the solenoid coil…maybe by removing that small pivot pin at the top?

Overall the semaphore looks to be in very good condition bar the missing solenoid coil wrapping.
Its matching pair is working fine.

Thank you
RS

Sun Jul 13, 2025 9:31 pm

I am happy to help. Its best if u call me. I will send a pm.

Matt

Mon Jul 14, 2025 8:16 am

Electrical contact cleaner will clean it right up, and all the gunk will rinse out.

Hard to tell if any damage is done, but that's where I'd start. To lube mine I use some fairly light machine oil, almost like thread cutting oil? I dunno, it's in a squirt can here on a shelf.

Mon Jul 14, 2025 8:35 am

Sewing machine oil might also be a good choice.

Mon Jul 14, 2025 8:45 am

KTPhil wrote: Sewing machine oil might also be a good choice.

Yes! that too...

.it just occurred to me that I wonder if it's not actually a 'short' from the Wd40. When it flips and heats up it'll burn off that lubricant pretty quick, and you've seen WD40 smoke...it'll look like a damn fire.
I swear those flappy signals draw more amps than the starter.

Mon Jul 14, 2025 7:08 pm

You can rewrap the solenoid coil with High temperature electrical harness tape. Amazon has several possibilities.

Tue Jul 15, 2025 9:35 am

You only need to lubricate the pivots. Any solvent in the coil can damage the insulation..
I’d use a little contact cleaner followed up with compressed air to blow it clean and dry..
SD

Wed Jul 16, 2025 8:28 am

I'd at least talk with Matt at "Matts Bus Parts" for his expert advice, or have him fully go thru that semaphore. Despite any cost, in the long run you'll be happy you did!

BIll Bowman

Sat Jul 26, 2025 9:30 am

I did advise the writer almost immediately after my post.

Some advice: you never want to use any type of oil on semaphores. Unless they are sitting on a shelf and you want to stop and rust over the next 50 years.

All oil will do is attract and hold dust and dirt further impairing their function. Over the years a lot of crude accumulates in the coil affecting performance. A shot of oil can temporarily improve performance only to worsen in time.

Matt