Older FL8 is loud. Any suggestions?

[Aqua Man]

I have an older FL-8 that is loud when I turn it on. Constant hum. Is that just because of the older technology, or can I do something about it? I think there was a subject on here about cleaning the contacts or something?

[EBass]

Call Vexilar - probably needs new bushings

[marine_man]

Cleaning the contacts very likely won't make it quieter... it sounds more so like a bearing. Mine used to be a bit louder when it was cold out, but would eventually quiet out a little bit.

The older fl-8's are louder than a marcum, fyi...

marine_man

[Jim Almquist]

If you want to give it a try on your own all you need to do is get a small allen wrench and take off the knobs and then the 4 screws off the back and it will come apart. You will see how the brushes and the led spin around a copper colored round thing. That is the part that you should wipe down with WD40 on a rag making sure that none of the rag catches on anything or is left behind. While you have it off make sure to wash the cover on the inside because it will be filled with crude and I think you will be surprised how much brighter it will be. If it is still loud it may very well have to be sent in to have new brushes put in. When I did that to my old Hydex FL8 it was better then when it was new.