Airesflex TLR Leaf Shutter Assembly Repair

[IRONcast]

Hi folks,

I got a 63 yr-old TLR as a gift - as expected, the Seikosha leaf shutter assembly was failing due to old grease.

I cleaned the blades, which helped until grease ruined the blades again (as expected) - a lighter fluid bath gave great results! fired it dry for a few days, brilliant! then applied Singer sewing machine oil to it.

This resolved the issue for two weeks - now, I've just noticed small amounts of what I presume is my oil leaking onto the shutter blades again!

Evidently, I used too much oil, or some of the old gunk is still there.

My thoughts: Give it another thorough bath in Lighter fluid, maybe several - then fire it dry permanently.

THOUGHTS???

 

[johnf04]

You've got the right idea - but you may need the faintest trace of oil on the timing parts of the shutter. I use a small screwdriver, or a piece of fine wire, to dip in the oil, and apply it.

 

[IRONcast]

Great, I thought I'd previously dripped JUST enough on the timing areas using a pin, which is for ants - could you recommend where exactly to put trace amounts of oil.

Thanks mate!

 

[johnf04]

You may still have old lubricant, freed up by your washing, running onto the blades. I'm not that familiar with TLRs - is it possible there is grease coming out of the focusing helix?
It may be an idea to flush it out, and dry it, and then just use it dry, as you suggested. I just use a trace of oil on pivots on the escapement.

 

[citizen99]

The above, and I would add that the best oil to use is watch oil. I use Moebius 8000; that and other brands can be found on ebay, also suitable applicators.

 

[Dan Daniel]

I use a fine #00 paint brush to apply oil. On the escapement I put a small drop on the gear pivot points in the top plate and wipe the whole plate off with a cotton swab. I also apply a small amount of thin grease to the inner edge of the cocking ring and wipe it off well before installing.