Ky92 Knobs sticking

[Joshua Blackh4t]

So, I know the answer is to replace it, and I agree, and I have a new 355 waiting at home to be fitted but right now I'm on the other side of Australia and need a working radio.

So my lovely old KY92 is working fine electrically, but the knobs are getting harder to turn, especially the first one which has a mechanism to increment the 2nd digit.

The other day, while taxiing at an international airport (Darwin), it got so hard to turn it 'slipped a gear' and made a few anxious moments until it slipped back. 

Its still working, just very stiff when changing the 2nd digit (119 to 120 etc).

So my question is: can I simply pull off the face of the radio with the 4 little screws I can see on the side, then clean and spray it all, and put it back together and hope?

Or will everything get misaligned and I won't know what is what? I have a handheld with me that I can use to retune it if necessary, but I wouldn't want to do that. 

Added the obligatory photos of the plane in all her glory to be looked at.

 

 

 

 

[N201MKTurbo]

I would remove the knobs, remove  the faceplate and lube the switches.

[MikeOH]

20 minutes ago, N201MKTurbo said:

I would remove the knobs, remove  the faceplate and lube the switches.

What chemical would you use to clean, and what specific lube do you recommend?

[Joshua Blackh4t]

5 hours ago, N201MKTurbo said:

I would remove the knobs, remove  the faceplate and lube the switches.

Thanks. Do you know if the knobs just pull off? And will the mechanism stay together when the face comes off or will it all be a big mess?

Also, I was planning to use silicone spray unless anyone has a better suggestion

 

[N201MKTurbo]

I have never taken apart that radio. Typically, there is a set screw (or two) holding on each knob. You will have to evaluate the mechanism after you get it apart.

I figured out how to take apart and put together a KX170 and get all the knobs and wheels synced properly, it is quite a puzzle. I don’t think that radio is quite as bad, but I could be wrong. 

[N201MKTurbo]

BTW, I wouldn’t use any spray lube on it, I would use a dropper or a watch oiler type tool to apply any lube very strategically. Any lube that gets on the plastic parts could remove the numbers or affect the plastic parts. 

[N201MKTurbo]

Essco has a maintenance manual for $60. It might be a good investment.

https://www.esscoaircraft.com/products/bendix-king-ky92-vhf-commtrans-1988-maintenance-manual