Please advise: Semaphore WD40 Woes!

[RockStock]

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

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-StockRocks-

[Matts Bug Parts]

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

Matt

[Bub]

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.
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[KTPhil]

Sewing machine oil might also be a good choice.
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Current Fleet:
- '71 Fastback
- '69 Westfalia
Retired:
- '67 Beetle
- '65 Beetle (x2)
- '65 Bus
- '71 Squareback

[Bub]

[VW_Jimbo]

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

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[esde]

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
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modok wrote:
Bent cranks are silent but gather no moss. I mean, ah, something like that.

[BulliBill]

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
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I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[Matts Bug Parts]

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