In solving my start problem today (see my other post) I discovered what appears to be the body of a large dead moth sticking out one of the cooling vents at the end of the generator. I also noticed that all the wiring, etc. inside the control box is covered with dust. I am afraid to use brake cleaner on that area as I am worried that it might affect the generator wiring. Can I use an air gun from my shop air or onboard air compressor to clean out the control panel area and the air vents? I can adjust the shop air pressure to less than the 150 psi that it puts out but I have no way to regulate the onboard air readily.
John, yes using the air nozzel with the air compressor is a safe way to blow out the dust and for sure do not use brake cleaner or carb cleaner, that is a sure way of creating major problems as it eats the insulation, and causes corrosion on other metals.
A good air nozzel works good, for oil, use an electrical contact cleaner, it will not eat things up.
Dave,
I still have a little freon left from the old days but I know it is bad for the environment.
I came across this: Contact & Circuit Board Cleaner | Safe On Plastics | Superior Industries, Inc. (http://www.superior-industries.com/electra_xl_product_261.html)
What do you recommend?
Looks fine to me, I would try it, says safe on plastic, that is a good sign.
When I saw the price of the cleaner I found on the web I started looking for something cheaper and available locally. I found several brands that I was familiar with, CRC and Chemtronics. Electronics Parts Outlet (EPO) in Houston said they had some plastic safe contact cleaner but it was not either of the two I was looking for. On my way to EPO I decided to stop at some of the auto parts stores to see if they might carry something. I got lucky on my first stop at Pep Boys and found this: www.crcindustries.com/auto/content/prod_detail.aspx?S=Y&PN=05103 (http://www.crcindustries.com/auto/content/prod_detail.aspx?S=Y&PN=05103). It says it is plastic safe and it shows a Molex nylon connector on the label. It was on $5.99, not the $17.00 quoted me by EPO or the $35.00 for the one I found on the Internet. Since I was going to use it to clean out the control box area I figured I would need a lot and $12.00 for two cans is better than $70.00.
John,
That' is the product I use as well. Purchased from Advance Auto.