Horn Cleaning
 

I have the back of the horn off because I’m replacing my radiator. While it’s apart, I’m wondering if I should clean up the rotor or commutator.

Les Andrews 1-196 says you can clean the rotor with a scotch pad, if you totally disassemble the horn and put the shaft in a drill. I’d rather not take the horn apart because it kind of works. It makes a noise, but not a nice ahooga sound.

Is it possible to clean the rotor or commutator while it is still in the car?


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Re: Horn Cleaning
 

This may help http://modelabasics.com/horn.htm

Re: Horn Cleaning
 

Since the makes a sound, I hesitate to take it apart. Would it help to brighten the rotor or commutator while the horn is still in the car? If so, what would be effective to clean the rotor or commutator while it is in the car?


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Re: Horn Cleaning
 

If you can, back off on the adjustment until it spins with no sound. Oil it and let it get up to speed for a bit. That motor needs to run. After the motor sounds strong, readjust it to a good ahooga sound. I find this helps for a while. If you get a horn to sound good. leave it alone.

Re: Horn Cleaning
 

Hold some fine grade sand paper against the commutator while the horn is spinning to clean it up. Usually makes a world of difference.

Re: Horn Cleaning
 

I recently took a horn apart and found it all welded together. The motor frame was welded to the body where there should be screws and the cage was spot welded so you could not get the armature out. Did they make some after market horns like this?

Re: Horn Cleaning
 

I just wipe with rag, usually just before parade, oil bearings every couple years

Re: Horn Cleaning
 

Note to self: use earplugs next time you do this.
I cleaned mine with electrical contact cleaner, oiled bearings and gently held a small folded square of 400 grit against commutator while it’s turning. Sounds much better now.

Re: Horn Cleaning
 

I recently took a horn apart and found it all welded together. The motor frame was welded to the body where there should be screws and the cage was spot welded so you could not get the armature out. Did they make some after market horns like this?

Yes my horn is that way. Very difficult to work on and tune. But it was cheep.

Re: Horn Cleaning
 

Maybe an old JC Whitney horn?