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Wrecked speaker jack [message #22456] Wed, 18 February 2015 18:41 Go to next message
bmacdo is currently offline  bmacdo
Messages: 14
Registered: January 2015
Location: Florida
Junior Member
The jack running from the speaker array to the chassis on my K150-8 was completely fused into the jack plate. Small wonder since it probably hasn't been unplugged for 44 years. I tried penetrating oil and tapping down from the chassis side but it wasn't even budging. Ultimately I had to destroy the jack in order to get it out but I think the jack plate is sound. Now when I attempt to insert a new 1/4" mono jack into the plate hole it seems like it will almost certainly seize up in there. So my question is, is the correct replacement part merely a standard 1/4" mono plug? If yes, what is the best method of opening up that hole so the replacement jack pops in and out like it should? Right now its very snug, to the point where I don't want to chance pushing a new jack in all the way. Hopefully it doesn't involve a specialized jack...it looks pretty standard to me. Thanks.
Re: Wrecked speaker jack [message #22458 is a reply to message #22456] Wed, 18 February 2015 22:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Iowa Boy is currently offline  Iowa Boy
Messages: 767
Registered: June 2014
Senior Member
It's just a standard 1/4 mono jack.........same thing they have been using for eons. The tab that connects to the tip of the phone plug may be bent in too much causing the problem with inserting and removing the phone plug easily. Just take a pair of needle nose and bend it away from the hole just a little. You will have to pull the chassis from the cabinet to do this. If you see rust build up on the tab, or it is twisted for some reason, I'd just replace it with a new jack.

[Updated on: Wed, 18 February 2015 22:46]

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Re: Wrecked speaker jack [message #22460 is a reply to message #22456] Thu, 19 February 2015 06:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
stevem is currently offline  stevem
Messages: 4728
Registered: June 2004
Location: NY
Senior Member
Aluminum to steel corrosion makes a tight bond and if that amp ever needs to get its preamp channel boards removed off of the front panel for pot cleaning or repair it will likely be a monumental job!
I have done quite a few amps like this in my time, and many times got to the point of having to use a Dremel tool with a cut off disc loaded in it to cut the faceplate nut off of the pot (s) to remove the board, as all the penetrating oil soak time in world would not break that corrosion bond!
Add into the mix some spilled drinks and beer on the threads and there is even more difficulty add to the job.
Before you load the new 1/4" Jack on the back panel I would smear some automotive grease or pertrolium jelly on those new jack threads so the corrosion that is going on back there does not find a new home on that new jack!

NOTE that the start type washer use on the original Jack must go back on the inside wall of the amp and the Jack must be held down tight enough to make a very good ground connection as that grounding point is the main DC electrical ground for that whole amp!
Re: Wrecked speaker jack [message #22462 is a reply to message #22460] Thu, 19 February 2015 08:39 Go to previous message
bmacdo is currently offline  bmacdo
Messages: 14
Registered: January 2015
Location: Florida
Junior Member
Sorry for my confusing terminology but it seems my situation was understood. I should have said that the plug was destroyed and needs to be replaced. You are correct about the aluminum to steel corrosion bond being ridiculously tight. It was going nowhere without vise grips and all my strength to finally free it, unreal. So sounds like give the top of the jack a little bend, clean the area where the inside washer seats and use a standard 1/4" mono plug as a replacement. I may go ahead and replace the jack too since the fit does seem overly snug. Its like I need a mini Dremel version of those tools you use to clean out automotive brake cylinders. Hopefully RadioShack hasn't closed their doors yet.
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