black widow repair question

jim milewski · Post by **jim milewski** » 18 Jul 2007 9:18 am

I have a 1203 and the dust cover developed cracks and had to be removed, then I noticed a black melted plastic in the voice coil bore, it is thick stuff and hangs the speaker from complete movement, has this happened to anyone else? My plans are to disassemble the speaker (never did this before) and use a strong solvent to clean up the foreign material, is there anything special I should know about disassembly and assembly of a BW 1203....thanks

Mike Wheeler · Post by **Mike Wheeler** » 18 Jul 2007 9:31 am

Just lay it face down on a solid surface, remove the 3 bolts, then carefully lift the magnet assembly STRAIGHT up. Do the reverse to reassemble it...but be even MORE careful placing the magnet back down on the voice coil assembly.

Not knowing what the substance is, it's hard to recommend a solvent. Naptha might work. There's nothing in the magnet assembly that a solvent would harm.

But if it's on the voice coil, be careful. I think I would call Peavey to find out what they advise using there.

Jim Bob Sedgwick · Post by **Jim Bob Sedgwick** » 18 Jul 2007 9:41 am

The black gunk is what remains of the foam dust cover Peavey uses in their speakers. It deteriorates and powders with age, falls down in the gap and is rubbed by the cone until it becomes "tar". As you stated, it will inhibit the movement of the cone if not removed. I have found that plain rubbing alcohol will dissolve and remove the gunk. Hope this helps.