Clean or replace salinity monitor probe?

[ThrillYa]

I picked up a Pinpoint Salinity Monitor from a fellow that gave up the hobby some 4 years ago. The probe itself looks like it has seen better days. The part that concerns me is the green gunk inside.

Any suggestions on cleaning it? Or, should I just start from scratch and get a new probe/monitor?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Ben1]

I would get a new probe. FWIW most probes need to be kept moist in storage or they will go bad.

 

[ThrillYa]

It doesn't look like the probe itself detaches from the base unit like some others I've seen. Does that make it a throw away?

 

[Ben1]

I guess you could try to soak the probe ina vinager bath overnight and then clean it up with a toothbrush and let it soak in RO water for a bit then check it in some mixed SW. I dont think this will work, otherwise I dont know how you can replace it if it doesnt detach.

 

[Anonymous]

Quality salinity transducer, unlike pH and ORP probe, has a indefinite lifetime, so under good operating condition, it can last longer than a decade. Unlike the other sensors, it doesn't need to be stored wet, just need to protect from grease and dirt. It is a physical transducer, not a electro-chemical type like the pH or the ORP.

With that said, you may want to find out what those green gunk is. Scrap a little off with a steel probe, and put it in a flame and see if you see blue flame. If it does, it is a sure sign that it is from copper corrosion from the wire. I have a feeling that it will come up positive, but don't hurt to clean it and see if you can get it to work.