MG 404-B or Deoxit D-5 for pots? on an old Heathkit AA1600

[Linear ear]

Just picked up a real beauty of an old amp, Heathkit aa1600 for cheap and the only thing wrong with it so far is it's filthy and the pots are hit and miss. Got them fairly even now and listing to the amp they seem stable so I thought I would try cleaning them before replacing them.

Looking on Amazon and they have another cleaner called MG 404B. It's about $10 cheaper than the Deoxit and seems to have decent reviews. Wondering if anyone has used it and their thoughts on the product.
Does it work as well or better than Deoxit D5?

 

[chazix]

Does it work as well or better than Deoxit D5?

I'm not familiar with the MG product, but note that the preferred DeOxit product for pots would be F5 "FaderLube" rather than D5.

(Even more expensive, of course! And you get DeOxit's maddening "Perfect Straw" to boot, if you get the usual spray can. I might sound like a hater, but F5 is what I use myself.)

 

[Linear ear]

I'm not familiar with the MG product, but note that the preferred DeOxit product for pots would be F5 "FaderLube" rather than D5.

(Even more expensive, of course! And you get DeOxit's maddening "Perfect Straw" to boot, if you get the usual spray can. I might sound like a hater, but F5 is what I use myself.)

Thank you! I was looking at the fader lube but was weary on if it would remove oxidation and dirt from the old pots. They are literally so dirty I can barely turn them.
Cheers

 

[chazix]

barely turn them.

Well, that certainly sounds like a much worse case than I typically deal with! If they physically resist turning, that sounds like a problem between shaft and bushing rather than between wiper and conductive track. The wiper/track interface is what F5 is meant for.

 

[Linear ear]

Well, that certainly sounds like a much worse case than I typically deal with! If they physically resist turning, that sounds like a problem between shaft and bushing rather than between wiper and conductive track. The wiper/track interface is what F5 is meant for.

I see, it seems like maybe a rum and coke or two was spilt on the amp to get the pots this sticky. So I was looking for something to break down the hardened syrup. I can replace them if needed but just thought it would be nice to save them if I could.
Looking at the fader lube it seems to be the safest. I may pick a can up for some other equipment that just needs a light cleaning and to extend their life.