Removing silicone from heating channel of exploded resistor.

[drwho]

I have been printing for about 4 days (actual printed time) over the last couple months. In that time, I noticed the red wire was starting to show burn on the wire. At that point I ordered new resistors just in case something happened and they needed to be replaced. I examined the rest of the hot end and found the black 18ga broken off. I restripped, crimped and threaded the clip and plugged it back in.

Everything ran great, until it didn't. After calibrating the bed z-height and towers the hot end started dropping to ambient temp. After, cool I tested the Resistors and they had no resistance at all. Thankfully the new resistors were in the mail. After ripping out the hot end and pulling the resistors I noticed that they were grainy. I assume as part of their death they expand and break the ceramic casing. So I am in the process of cleaning that out and installing new resistors.

The main reason for this post was to share my experience and to query the group on how to remove the copper silicon from the channels before reapplying and and installing the new resistors.

[Mac The Knife]

I used a drill bit, I forget the size but I believe it was a 5/16" bit. I would suggest using a 6 x 20 mm, 12 volt, 40 watt ceramic heater cartridge for the next time the resistors blow. Geneb has a youtube video detailing the install.

[Jimustanguitar]

Yeah, you ought to be able to use the original size drill bit and clear the silicone by hand.

[geneb]

Do NOT use a drill motor! Fingers only.

g.

[drwho]

Thanks for the replies. The printer is back up and running. Now PID, z height, tower and Ill be back to printing. Much appreciated.

[mcgragger]

I used a drill bit, I forget the size but I believe it was a 5/16" bit. I would suggest using a 6 x 20 mm, 12 volt, 40 watt ceramic heater cartridge for the next time the resistors blow. Geneb has a youtube video detailing the install.

Where is this video? I can't find it.

[Mac The Knife]

http://youtu.be/xvXKt3xDt4E

[drwho]

Great video, incredibly helpful. Thank you.