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Posting on General forum because imagine immediate prewar the same. My '47 Super Clipper's three position instrument light switch works full bright and off, but the dim middle position seems really dim--maybe that's the idea?

?

But i'd like to spray something into the switch via the front knob and/or under the dash at the enclosed switch itself. Is WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner, or Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant, or regular WD-40 safe on and around it?

If so, which best?


Same question concerning my pictured period Stewart-Warner 4,500-rpm tachometer. Mine works fine, but sometimes, esp. starting after dormancy, doesn't register, then springs to action after a mile or two....usually. WD-40, WD-40 Special Contact Cleaner, Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant able to seep into the back of the case if tach laid flat in hopes a drop or two eventually seeps in?

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  instrument on dim off switch.jpg (135.76 KB)


  tach.jpg (87.18 KB)

As far as the Tach, I would talk to Pat Merscher, as he may have some suggestions, as he fixes Speedos.

On the switches, I take them apart and clean the contacts directly as often the spray cleaning won't be enough.

Realize that, and thanks. And maybe my dim position is supposed to be that dim? It doesn't take much light at night. So do not want the hassle of removing wires and switch from under dash, fixing what's hardly broken.
Just want to know which if any of those three sprays safest, best.

I'll ask the fellow you suggest about the tach. It gets its signal from rotary switch under distributor cap, so only moving parts within the tach head itself. For now, since it works, only want to know which, if any, of the above kosher to try to seep inside the case without disassembly. These Stewart-Warner tachometers were an option for all vehicles, military and civilian, from War II through the '50s, Studebaker Golden Hawks, etc. having them standard equipment.

Don't live in Packardland or Oldcarville 24/7, so no idea who/where Pat Merscher is, name of his shop, and Googling produced nothing. ?

I don't see why WD40 would be best. Try Contact Cleaner. Lube afterwards only if the switch is sticky.

Years ago I had an HH Scott tube amp with a scratchy volume control and intermittent issues with a couple of switches. I asked the local HiFi guru to quote a rebuild and instead he handed me a bottle of DeoxIT. Worked like a charm and saved me serious cash. I know it's still around and I'm guessing it would work for your instrument cluster dimmer. You can read more about it at Caig Labs.

Sorry I don't have any suggestions for your SW tach.

Good luck.

DeoxIT Is what I used on my organ key contacts which went from being non-playable to just like new. I use it on all contacts now.

Thanks, gents. As so often, marketing holds sway, inc. of course, over seemingly impartial comparos:

reddit.com/r/AskElectronics/comments/w6t ... difference_between_wd40_specialist/

Now on to the tach question.