Isolator switch - repair of buy new

[slawosz]

Hi,
after another few hours with multimeter, I finally found a reason of voltage drop causing equipment turning off during engine start or radio transmission (radio included). Its isolator switch. The 'on' position gives different readings, from 0-1.4-30 Ohm. 1.9 on photos is more like 1.4, as 'empty' resistance on multimeter is 0.5. Now, can I clean the old one with say 2000 wet paper, or rather I should but new one: Marine Battery Isolator/Changeover Switch With Alt Field Disconnect - 4 Posn 200A Cont
I prefer to clean but at the same time I don't like the idea of having old equipment that might let me down.

Photos:

 

[garymalmgren]

Is it a matter of cleaning or bending the terminal tab/contacts so they make a better contact?
I would go for the reconditioning of your present switch.

gary

 

[Plum]

Hi,
after another few hours with multimeter, I finally found a reason of voltage drop causing equipment turning off during engine start or radio transmission (radio included). Its isolator switch. The 'on' position gives different readings, from 0-1.4-30 Ohm. 1.9 on photos is more like 1.4, as 'empty' resistance on multimeter is 0.5. Now, can I clean the old one with say 2000 wet paper, or rather I should but new one: Marine Battery Isolator/Changeover Switch With Alt Field Disconnect - 4 Posn 200A Cont
I prefer to clean but at the same time I don't like the idea of having old equipment that might let me down.

Reconditioning isolations switches has always been successful for me.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[peteK]

Since you have taken it apart you may as well clean it!

 

[wingcommander]

Build quality of the older switches seem to be superior. Though bakelite did contain asbestos so easy with the emery paper,

 

[neil_s]

A clean up every so often may be a maintenance task. I have one like that, so I'll be having a look at mine over the winter!

 

[Laysula]

Clean them. Last week I stripped and cleaned the steering wheel switches on my old Fiesta with a bit of contact cleaner on a cotton wool bud. The work like new again now. Saved me a fair bit of money over buying new ones.

 

[LadyInBed]

As above, because they are easily accessible, clean and slightly retention the contacts.
I wouldn't use 2000 wet paper, I would use switch cleaner fluid or if it needs something more heavy duty, a pencil eraser.

 

[fredrussell]

I have a fully working one of those 1,2,both switches. Yours for cost of postage if you want it.

 

[William_H]

The Op will answer his own question by experience. Of course if you can clean the switch and assuming you can get it back together again you are set to go until next time. if it all fails then he will need a new switch. ol'will