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Re: repair

Tesla List wrote:
> 
> Subscriber: gweaver-at-earthlink-dot-net Sun Jan 26 13:31:37 1997
> Date: Sun, 26 Jan 1997 10:08:01 -0800
> From: Gary Weaver <gweaver-at-earthlink-dot-net>
> To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
> Subject: repair
> 
> I have noticed many posts saying shorted neon transformers could be revived
> by removing the tar which has carbon tracks from an arc.
> 
> I have 4 bad neons I would like to try and bring back to life.  Before I try
> this I have some questions.
> 
> How are the high voltage insulators attached to the secondary coil?  Is there
> any chance of breaking the wire connection to the windings?
> 
> Someone suggested putting the transformer in the freeze to make the tar
> brittle.  Then take a hammer and beat it to death to get the tar off.  Whats
> the chance of smashing the windings and permanently damangeing it beyond
> repair?  If the case is removed what holds the high voltage insulators in
> place?
> 
> Someone suggested putting the transformer in a solvent for several weeks to
> disolve the tar.  Kerosene or paint thinner will probably work. What type of
> solvents will work?  What type of solvents will not work?  I know Acetone
> will remove everything except the metal and leave only bare uninsulated wire.
> Will the solvent soak into the primary and secondary windings and cause any
> problems?  Has anyone tried this?  How long did it take?  What solvent did
> you use?
> 
> I have been told that tar melts at about 400 degrees F.  The local motor
> rewind shop told me they cure the new motor windings in an oven at about 500
> degrees F for several hours.  Transformers that have to be cured are cured in
> an oven also. It should be possible to heat a transformer in an oven and melt
> off the tar.  Has anyone tried this?
> 
> Could most of the tar could be removed in an oven. Then the rest disolved
> with a solvent.  What do you think?
> 
> If I can't fix it, I can fix it so it can't be fixed.
> 
> Gary Weaver


Gary -

  I have seen all three methods used. Personally I use the
solvent method. I used gasoline(!) in the past, though it
isn't recommended now. When I split the cases off, I don't
worry about trying to 'save' the porcelains. I would rather
shatter them and not yank a secondary wire loose.

- Brent