If the PTO
frequency can be changed however such tuning offers resistance or feels rough,
then the shaft bearing can be oiled. But if the PTO tuner mechanism is
immobile, pull the PTO brick from the chassis and either clean
with solvent and re-grease it or install a PTO re-build kit.
Beware that the rebuild is not an easy task.
Oiling PTO Bearing
1. Obtain a small quantity of marine outboard lower unit oil, which is a good 90W lubricant. The original Ten-Tec grease has dried and hardened, but this heavy oil should blend in and soften it. It was chosen for long service life and being least likely to drip out.
Re-Greasing PTO Bearing
Original lubricant that Ten-Tec installed in the PTO assembly usually hardens over time. Consequently the dial mechanism becomes immobile and the PTO can’t change frequency. Therefore the old lubricant should be removed and replaced with fresh grease. Utilize cotton swabs and 90% isopropyl alcohol to clean old lubricant from the PTO main bearing housing and associated spring assembly. Caution, acetone solvent will damage the plastic PTO parts. Re-Lubricate the PTO assembly, as follows.
Ten-Tec engineers
designed the PTO to use open gear grease because it is tacky
and stays in place when the main tuning knob is rotated. But if thinner
consistency grease is substituted, it tends to run out over time. Consequently,
premature wear to the bearing race and/or inner drive shaft will result.
Safely
Re-Installing Dial Skirt
Utilize a 24 inch piece of dental floss as a tool. Bend the floss into a U-Shape and hook it over the tip of the friction clip behind the dial. Pull the string to open the clip and then safely press the dial back in place.
Oiling PTO Bearing
1. Obtain a small quantity of marine outboard lower unit oil, which is a good 90W lubricant. The original Ten-Tec grease has dried and hardened, but this heavy oil should blend in and soften it. It was chosen for long service life and being least likely to drip out.
2. Use a small Allen wrench to loosen the hex screw and remove the main
tuning knob.
3. Gently pry the graduated dial from the tuning shaft.
4. Stand the transceiver on its rear to obtain gravity assistance in
oiling the PTO shaft. Keep the radio turned vertically until all lubrication
activities below are completed.
5. With aid of a flashlight, dip a toothpick into the oil and deposit
about 6 drops into the groove, where the shaft enters the PTO bearing.
6. Place about 2 drops of oil on the junction between the small and
large tuning shaft sections.
7. Install the main tuning knob, but not the graduated dial.
Place the knob on just far enough for the hex screw to engage the shaft. Keep
an eye on the larger tuning shaft behind the knob.
8. Rock the knob back and forth, while gauging the resistance. Actual
tuning is working properly, only if the larger shaft visibly rotates. When
tuned near a band edge, don’t force the PTO shaft to turn or mechanism damage
may occur.
9. If rotation resistance is noticeably reduced, then you are on the
right track. Rotate the dial through its full range about 10 times and feel its
characteristics.
10. If results are positive, remove the main tuning knob and place about
4 more oil drops into the shaft groove. Reinstall the knob and again rotate
tuning through its full range about 10 more times. But cease any extra oiling
because the excess may drip through onto the circuit board.
11. Reinstall the graduated dial and main tuning knob. But don't attempt to force the graduated dial onto the PTO shaft or you’ll probably break something. Instead, utilize the safe procedure below.
11. Reinstall the graduated dial and main tuning knob. But don't attempt to force the graduated dial onto the PTO shaft or you’ll probably break something. Instead, utilize the safe procedure below.
Original lubricant that Ten-Tec installed in the PTO assembly usually hardens over time. Consequently the dial mechanism becomes immobile and the PTO can’t change frequency. Therefore the old lubricant should be removed and replaced with fresh grease. Utilize cotton swabs and 90% isopropyl alcohol to clean old lubricant from the PTO main bearing housing and associated spring assembly. Caution, acetone solvent will damage the plastic PTO parts. Re-Lubricate the PTO assembly, as follows.
Consider
utilizing marine wheel bearing grease because it’s tacky and functions well in
open boat trailer wheel bearings.
Utilize a 24 inch piece of dental floss as a tool. Bend the floss into a U-Shape and hook it over the tip of the friction clip behind the dial. Pull the string to open the clip and then safely press the dial back in place.
