Filthy monitor

[joeycuda]

Look at it this way - A monitor probably hasn't been thoroughly cleaned in the 25-30yrs since it was new. The funk, dirt, and buildup can make the components less able to dissipate heat. If you clean it once, it will probably never need cleaned again. Getting the pots wet once, then quickly dried shouldn't cause any corrosion issues. It also sucks to re-cap or work on a chassis that's covered in that dark dust, it gets all over ya.

 

[That80sGuy]

Wow..you guys sure go the extra mile. All I ever do is a quick wipe of the tube. Use some canned air on the chasis and really only clean the screen with any chemicals.

 

[SRS]

I have two old monitors that are about equally cruddy. I'm going to use engine degreaser on one and the dish soap method that channelmatic mentioned on the other. I doubt that one method will work any better than the other as far as final results goes, but it will be interesting to see which method is easier and/or quicker.

 

[Robomayhem]

Wow, this thread is enlightening! I have a bunch of monitors that need a good cleaning; thanx! I am liking the Simple Green/409 and a hose idea!

 

[FrizzleFried]

Compressed air and not giving a shit if something INSIDE the cabinet has some dust on it has worked well for me the last 4 years... I'll stick to that.

 

[komodo]

My results with a K7000-25

http://picasaweb.google.com/pdkomodo77/WashingAMonitor?feat=directlink

 

[WadeLanham]

I can't stand getting black hands any time I need to reach in to adjust something or replace a part... much better to clean them once and feel good about them being inside my house...

Here is an example. Again, I've done this a dozen times and never lost a monitor (or even caused a minor problem) and they always end up looking GREAT.

I just leave everything assembled when I do it. Bleche-wite is one of the best to clean the stuff off. Rinse it a while.

Wade

 

[SuperGunGuru]

I always just hose down a chassis, tube or even a complete monitor. I'm just careful that the aquadag doesn't come off and other the one time that happened on a Matsushita, I've never had a problem otherwise. Here's a K7000 from my restored Simpsons machine that came out squeaky clean. Obviously I let it dry very thoroughly before putting power to it.

 

[neopolss]

I just hosed my K4900 and it was covered in bar tar. It looks like it just came out of the box. I'm a believer!

 

[KCHVAC GUY]

Just wondering what are the benefits after cleaning the backside of a monitor clearer picture? Decrease chance of over heating?

 

[FrizzleFried]

I prefer to use my air compressor...

 

[komodo]

Just wondering what are the benefits after cleaning the backside of a monitor clearer picture? Decrease chance of over heating?

Well, when you recap the chassis, you won't be mixing solder with dirt. Yes monitor runs cooler. Easier to spot problems on a clean monitor than a dirty one. Just don't touch the aquadag with your hands or towels or anything when hosing it off. Test a small area first with hose. I have only had one tube where the aquadag washed off with the hose. (B&W 19" )vector tube. I just got a B&W vector monitor to repair a few weeks ago where it appears as if somebody did the dame thing EXCEPT they removed 99% of the aquadag. I'm gong to have to reapply some when I get my air brush gun.

Besides, if you are going to restore a game, why not go the extra step?

 

[Pac-Fan]

Just wondering what are the benefits after cleaning the backside of a monitor clearer picture? Decrease chance of over heating?

Heat + 35 years of NASTY tar, nicotine, dust, animal crap, and whatever else = a wonderful aroma penetrating your house and not healthy.

Oh, and the overheating risk, and arcing risk between components if it's gooey enough, etc..

It's well worth the effort on anything you're keeping, and possibly worth on a resale "Look how clean that is... extra $20? "

 

[kkcloak]

Compressed air and not giving a shit if something INSIDE the cabinet has some dust on it has worked well for me the last 4 years... I'll stick to that.

I use Windex on the back of the monitor, use a paintbrush for the the tight spots, finish with the compressor.

 

[KCHVAC GUY]

Well I'm big on simple green for my EM games so I used that method today on my monitor looks a lot better on the surface now and it will be unplugged for awhile anyways since I'm looking to recap the board. Still have a lot to learn on monitors so treading lightly and asking a lot of questions before I do anything. Sucks when you pay someone to do it right and they just do the minimum now self teaching myself all about monitors to do it myself. I guess it might come in handy in the long run although I favor EM aracdes and pinball games a few times I come across a video arcade I might want to fix up if the price is right.