Tektronix lube?

[innkeeper]

I recently acquired a Tektronix 576 curve tracer cerca 1975.

Interestingly they actually have a recommended maintenance for cleaning and lubing the switches, pots, and bushings and of course, they recommend you use Textronix lubes

I'm curious what those lubes actually were/are. If anyone knows, please post.  I've noted what id typically use for lubricating the items they describe.  let me know what you think of those too.

3 lubes are ..

1. α cleaning-type lubricant (such as Tektronix Part Νο . 006-0218-00) on shaft bushings and
switch contacts.

note: kind of curious on this as I've used like a deoxit D to clean switches and bushings but lubed the bushings with a drop of synthetic oil, or on occasion a drop of deoxit F in a pinch.

2. Lubricate switch detents with α heavier grease (such as Tektronix Part Νο. 006-0219-00).

note: I typically clean out the old grease using Isopropyl Alcohol or at least finish with it so there's no grease residue and re-lube with superlube, I have used lucas X-tra on occasion

3. Potentiometers that are not sealed should be lubricated with α lubricant
which will not affect electrical characteristics (such as Tektronix Part Νο. 006-0220-00)

Note: Typically clean with deoxit D and lube with deoxit F, and on wirewounds that can be disassembled I have used superlube if i disassemble them.

snippet from the manual

Code: [Select]

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

CAUTION

Avoid the use of chemical cleaning agents which
might damage the plastics used in this instrument.
Avoid chemicals which contain benzene, toluene,
xylene, acetone or similar solvents.

Lubrication

The reliability of potentiometers, rotary switches, and
other moving parts can be maintained if they are kept
properly lubricated. Use α cleaning-type lubricant (such as
Tektronix Part Νο . 006-0218-00) on shaft bushings and
switch contacts. Lubricate switch detents with α heavier
grease (such as Tektronix Part Νο. 006-0219-00). Potentiometers
that are not sealed should be lubricated with α lubricant
which will not affect electrical characteristics (such as
Tektronix Part Νο. 006-0220-00) . Do not use excessive lubrication
. Α lubrication kit containing the necessary lubricants
and instructions is available from Tektronix, Inc.
(Order Tektronix Part Νο . 003-0342-00).

It is very refreshing to read a manual that assumes your smart enough to fix your own stuff, and actually see it build so you can easily get inside of and really were expected to.

[TERRA Operative]

A plastic safe lithium grease would probably work well.

I am interested in this too, for when I finally get around to restoring the 577 under my bench.

[David Hess]

I would use a naphtha and PPE (poly phenyl ether) based contact cleaner and lubricant for the slide switches and potentiometers.  A white lithium grease is suitable for the cam detents.