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From: gonzalez@bbn.com (Jim Gonzalez)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hardware,sci.electronics
Subject: 400K Drive Problem Solved
Message-ID: <63750@bbn.BBN.COM>
Date: 17 Apr 91 03:20:09 GMT
Sender: news@bbn.com
Reply-To: gonzalez@BBN.COM (Jim Gonzalez)
Followup-To: comp.sys.mac.hardware
Lines: 23

Thanks to everyone who responded to my question regarding the sticky
eject on 400K drives.  The consensus among the dozen or so who wrote 
was:

    The problem is caused strictly by the solidified grease on 
    the actuator.  The springs ought to be adequate once the
    cleaning is done.

    The grease can be removed with WD-40, acetone, isopropyl
    alcohol, etc.  Care should be taken not to get the solvent
    inside the drive, particularly on the head(s).  One brave soul
    suggested removal of the actuator for a thorough solvent bath
    (I have this anxiety about bent C-clips).

    The lubricant should be replaced.  Light oil was recommended 
    more often than grease.

I ended up cleaning the actuator with isopropyl alcohol and Q-tips,
and relubricating it with Break Free CLP (a light oil containing 
Teflon).  Both drives are performing well.  Hopefully it will be a 
few years before I need to repeat the exercise.  Thanks again to all.

				-Jim.