And a truly hideous picture to match.
This was the state of the innards of the 15K inside the back inspection plate. Somebody decided they didn't need oil, so they just smeared the works liberally with vaseline. It might have kept the machine turning, but it also combined with (or possibly caused) a degree of rust, leaving a thick dark brown greasy deposit which smelt, not surprisingly, of vaseline and rust. I took this picture after I had already cleaned some of it off.
It was the same story when I took off the stop motion screw - loads of vile greasy muck was hiding behind it.
The remedy was a good scrubbing with an old toothbrush dipped in paraffin. I cleaned the back of the stop motion screw with neat washing up liquid.
The machine is now thoroughly cleaned and oiled and I am looking forward to giving it a good run.
Hi Muv
ReplyDeleteYour picture looks just like everywhere inside on my 28 machine - it's brown all over so it will be out with the toothbrush and paraffin tomorrow if it has done wonder for yours.
Will take note of your remedy for the stop motion screw!
love
Anneg
Hello Anneg,
DeleteA bit of superficial rust inside isn't too much of a problem provided the machine turns. It's the nasty greasy residue that needs to be got rid of.
Love,
Muv
The brown stuff I mention is the 'gunk'. Can't see that there's any rust inside - there's too much 'gunk' at the moment! Though there is rust on the outside - think some of the black stuff could be worse rust too - think I read that it turns that colour eventually?
DeleteHaven't had chance to have a go with the paraffin yet, so the kitchen tiling will have to wait tomorrow while I try that out.
Anneg
Oh YUCK! Muv, I'm not familiar with the term "washing up liquid". Is this what we Americans call "dish detergent" for washing dishes, or is it something for general household cleaning?
ReplyDeleteHello Laura Jean,
DeleteYes, it's the stuff for washing dishes. It's the best way of breaking down the grease. I used it on the stop motion screw because I could wash it off with water afterwards and leave it to dry on the heater. I wouldn't have used it inside the machine , though, because of the risk of not getting it off properly.
Love,
Muv
I alway's recommend sand,grit and salt to be added to the vaseline on my machines. I found out what "stop motion" ment. Regards Duncan
ReplyDeleteSand and grit??!! Gosh Duncan, sounds more like instructions for pebbledashing.
DeleteLove,
Muv
I can forgive people putting 3 in 1 oil, but vaseline. What ever next. Lard maybe?
ReplyDeleteNo reason why not. Cheaper than butter and greasier than marge.
DeleteLove,
Muv