Cleaning LPL 4500 Dichro Module - Lube and filters

I'll be tearing apart a new-to-me dichro module and hoping someone could share a bit of guidance with a couple of things.

When running through the ranges, I have some sticking in CMY with M failing to engage past 120 at all. Is there a recommended lube (heh) for the dichro lever mechanisms? Powder or liquid? I want to make sure I'm hitting it with the correct lube/location after cleaning.

Cleaning the dichro filters. Probably the most daunting task. Dust. Fungus. Is there a chance at restoring this or a pipe dream?


Appreciate any help!

I'd not worry about the dichroic filters, most of the time you will be printing in the middle of the range.

The mechanism to engage and adjust the filters does need to work flawlessly. Carefully disassembled, cleaned and put back together.

ic-racer said:

I'd not worry about the dichroic filters, most of the time you will be printing in the middle of the range.

The mechanism to engage and adjust the filters does need to work flawlessly. Carefully disassembled, cleaned and put back together.

Click to expand...

Thanks ic-racer. Do you happen to have any idea which sorts of grease are appropriate for the parts?

I'd use High Temp Silicone Grease.

The thing though with silicone grease is that it tends to slowly drift to places you don't expect.
When I re-lube lenses, I usually use some Moly Grease. Just a small amount of it. On the tube it says that it is good up to 130°C. I don't know how hot the lamp in the enlarger is or what type it is, so I can't evaluate if it's good enough.

Xylo said:

The thing though with silicone grease is that it tends to slowly drift to places you don't expect.
When I re-lube lenses, I usually use some Moly Grease. Just a small amount of it. On the tube it says that it is good up to 130°C. I don't know how hot the lamp in the enlarger is or what type it is, so I can't evaluate if it's good enough.

Click to expand...

Yes, good point. It would be nice to see the moving mechanism. At least with my 8x10 Durst head, the lubricated moving areas are about 10 cm from the actual filters.

I sold my LPL enlarger + VC module some time ago, but I recall it incorporating plastic cams. I might consider simply wiping away old grease and relubing with some sort of clear, plastic-safe grease (polyethylene, PTFE, etc), not too much.

Molybdenum is best reserved for metal-on-metal applications where staining one’s fingers and clothing isn’t a factor.

Lithium grease such as Lubriplate are not a favorite of mine, as the solids and carrier tend to separate, but they can deliver satisfactory results if used sparingly.

BTW, don’t freak out if you discover cracks in those dichroic filters.

Hah, thanks for the heads up! Appreciate all the advice.