SME 20/2 Faulty Silicon Oil Plunger


The Silicon Oil plunger that came with my SME 20/2 was faulty and exploded all over the tonearm and surrounding area (the plunger wasn't airtight and it de-pressurized all over the place suddenly when being applied). The cartidge and platter are fine, and I soaked up as much as possible, but there are places I can't reach in the nooks (as well as some seeping under the platter bearing).

Any suggestions on what to do? Any suggestions on what the best course of action is in this situation?

Is silicon oil corrosive or harmful to any of the surface area?

Thanks a lot.
jkalman

Showing 1 response by rlawry

I have a 20/2 but have never had that happen. Was it a suspension tower? I used to work with a silicone supplier. The oil is actually a low molecular weight polymer (plastic) and is not corrosive. In fact, it is used in food, packaging, and to coat needles. One of its trade names is simethicone, used in Pepto-Bismol. You can remove it with any hydrocarbon (gasoline, naptha, Coleman white gas, hexane) or chlorinated solvent (dry cleaning fluid). One thing I would do first is try the solvent on a hidden area of the turntable to make sure it doesn't affect the finish. A dealer or Sumiko should be able to tell you how to fix the suspension tower, or whatever the problem is, and get you more fluid. Or ask them what viscosity the fluid is and I could get you a sample from my previous company.