Deus shaft cleaning

[liamnolan]

Hi all, after a detecting session, everything goes back in the boot of the X-Trail and I suppose we all have our own ritual of dismantling everything and packing it away. Re the Deus shaft, this will have become muddy and when you release the cam locks to enable them to slide together, the shafts will often screech as the particles of grit get caught up within the cam locks. Sounds terrible and over time you see the markings along the shaft.
Recently I decided to do this;
I wiped away as much of the dirt and grime as I could see.
I then got the W&D can out and sprayed the opened cam locks and also the length of the shaft.
I wipe down the assembly with a rag, operate the cam locks a few times to make sure all is free and everything seems to slide together noiselessly and easily.
Works for me anyway, Liam
(cleans the control box as well!)

[Nigel at regtons]

Hi Liam, can I just throw a spanner in your works please.....

WD40 is well known for being absorbed by plastics causing the plastic to swell, you'll then have problems, also you are lubricating the camlock which contains a friction plate, would you WD40 your discs to stop them rusting after a car wash ? I know WD40 & also any polish with silicon makes all the black parts look good but it's not such a great idea long term.

My advice is to simply place upper & middle stems into a shallow bath or sink if it's big enough and then open/close camlocks and slide stems up/down, that way all the mud will release and drop away suspended in the water, a little washing up liquid is fine and afterwards a simple dry off but no polish !

Or you could do what I do & never clean it, when it rains it gets a little cleaner.

[john Colin]

I would never use any type of lubricant as I extend my shaft fully (sorry) and would not want it to fall off, hell this is getting worse, think I will stop as you've got my drift.
JC

[liamnolan]

My enthusiasm has wilted ... prepared to go to any length to get the shaft operating properly, thanks Nigel for those wise words. My Deus is one of the older ones now and I remember when it appeared on the stage it was often criticised as being too light and fragile, would soon fall apart etc.
Well, its been through a lot with my detecting, out maybe 3 or 4 times a week, in all weathers, soaked, squashed, fried and frozen in varying temperatures and its proved to be a very durable machine. The Deus has had several mods over these years, to make things work even better but I am very happy with it.
Thanks for the advice .... Liam

[f8met]

I have put neoprene shotgun barrel protectors on mine which really help keep a lot of the mud off. When putting in the car I just drop the bottom shaft with coil off breaking it into 2 pieces. Wash under water every few trips does the job. I was getting worried about the shift scratching.

[Nigel at regtons]

I've seen some shafts completely silver, no black left at all.

[cp333]

Relic hunting Scotland has sprayed the whole thing gold shaft n all

[Sportsman]

Garden Hosepipe works well

[JamieB]

Washing? What's that!?

Actually, I treat mine to a birthday wash maybe once a year (ish) and a little bit of hand moisturiser (the wife always has some) on the shafts to keep things nicely lubricated

Works a treat

[roamingrob]

Well you live and learn.......

[sweepstick47]

I use a Goldmaxx Power with the Deus shaft:- Lubricating the 'Deus' shaft will attract small particles of dirt causing it to eventually jam and the 'cam-locks' to fail to 'grip' the stem. I've always found the best solution to be warm soapy water followed by a careful clean water rinse using the garden hose on low power 'mist spray' then a dry down with an old towel and leave it to thoroughly dry before putting it away in readiness for the next session. I also remove the batteries and leave the battery cover off to prevent condensation forming in the control box.
(yes I know batteries tend not to leak now but I was once caught out)!!
Regards and Good Luck to all ss47

[benny]

Interesting post, ive always used wd40 but no more, one thing i do is to spray a good dose of wd40 on the coil and cover to help stop the mud sticking, any thoughts on using silicone grease (the plumbing type) smeared onto it? (coil that is!!!). Benny

[Taxino8]

I pull mine apart, I never try to close it when dirty and transport it in two pieces then when I get home I hose off and then wash with warm water and fairy liquid followed by a clean rinse.

Sometimes when I get home I power wash my car if it's got muddy and then on occasion I have used this on the Deus, coil and all, and it's never hurt it.

[liamnolan]

Some people are just perfect
Some good tips there, now what am I going to do with the 147 cans of WD40 ...? Liam

[sweepstick47]

Some people are just perfect
Some good tips there, now what am I going to do with the 147 cans of WD40 ...? Liam

Liam, Due to your generous nature, you could have a word with mrix as your stock represents 4 years worth of monthly Draw Prizes!! Stay Lucky ss47