Hi all, I have acquired some old battery power tools (drills, saws,
etc.). They have been thoroughly exercised in their life, but they're
working fine and nothing is broken. Parts are solid metal where they
matter, and these will last at least a couple of more decades if well
lubricated and maintained. They don't make 'em like they used to.

The only problem I see (and unfortunately, smell), is that the DC
brushed motors are creating a LOT of sparks and "smoke". That
characteristic smell of old, sparking DC motors, containing lots of
ozone, that burns your nose hair out. The motor itself is running well,
despite this issue. The sparking is so bad, that looks like there's a
small incandescent lamp inside the motor when it's on.

The motors themselves are sealed pretty tight, apart from the vent
holes, which are big enough to stick a cotton swab through. Further
disassembly would require prying metal and most likely, damaging the motor.

What's the best way to clean the motors without taking them apart or
damaging anything inside? I assume the sparking is caused by carbon and
dirt buildup at the brushes.

Would washing with soap and water, and drying promptly do the trick? Or
is there anything that could get damaged inside?

How about spraying some WD-40 at the brushes through the vent holes,
then washing with soap and water?

My only concern is stripping the bearings of their grease, but is there
anything else that could go wrong?
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