Replacing a broken function switch

[Dearslayer]

I have a 2230 that was part of a package deal from a friend of mine but the shaft on the function switch was broken but he also had a replacement that he was gonna eventually have a tech replace for him but never did get around to it. He gave me the switch with the unit. I'm between projects at the moment so after much researching here on AK and having a stomach full of butterflies I decided to make the leap and attempt the swap. I had read about a few different suggestions such as inserting a swab stick as a follower behind the screw while removing it and it worked great on the bench with lots of room but in my case there was no room to get it in behind the switch. I decided to try a different approach so I mixed a little 5 min epoxy and using a tooth pick I managed to get just a small little dap on both ends of every spacer where it contacts the waffer just enough to just hold it in place so the spacers wouldn't fall out. I did this on both sides and let it cure for an hour. I will admit I was sweating a little when I slowly backed out the screws. Much to my surprise it all stayed intact for removal and insertion of the new replacement shaft. I hope this might help someone else who might be a little hesitant to give it a go.

 

[wlhd1610]

Good job!
Changing out the shaft is not for the faint of heart!

Bob

 

[Dearslayer]

Thanks Bob. I will say it's the most nerve wracking thing I've done yet in this hobby but like I read in one of your previous post regarding the same that after doing the first one it might be a little easier approaching it the next time.

GT.

 

[tranguru]

Great job - thanks for the tip!

 

[Steven Tate]

Well done! I have a 2270 with the same problem waiting in the wings. I'm just waiting to find an exact replacement - keeping my eye on the auction site. I will likely use your technique when I get down to it.
Steve

 

[rBuckner]

SO glad you were successful!

 

[Dearslayer]

Thanks to all for the encouragement. This forum is awesome and the best I've belonged to and I've been on a few over the years.

Next step for this unit is a new power switch. A local tech acquaintance of mine had asked to borrow it so he could " get some measurements" from the FM section so he could repair a customers 2230. I never really used this 2230 except to turn it on when I first got it to ensure it actually worked ( I don't remember the switch being broken but no big deal I trust his word and besides , in return he did a FM alignment on it , very nice of him for sure ) then it sat until he asked to borrow it. He said the switch was bad and wouldn't stay on in order to get the info he needed so he soldered a jumper on the switch so it comes on and stays on when plugged in. So as of now the button doesn't work. I pulled it out last night and it does have the snubber across the switch. Should I replace this with a new snubber or can I reuse the existing one ? I don't remember the value of the old snubber of hand as I'm at work.

GT.