On Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:34:20 -0600, with neither quill nor qualm,
Ignoramus24341 quickly quoth:

On 2008-03-07, Steve R. wrote:
I have a chance to get an old, but serviceable medical vacuum pump, at a
very reasonable price. When I switched it, gave off a very offensive odour.
What is the best way to decontaminate the thing? I am thinking in terms of
lots of alcohol, but am open to suggestions.

I would not use alcohol near any seals.

Yeah, those drunken bastiches might fall off the dock and drown.

--
The best and safest thing is to keep a balance in your life,
acknowledge the great powers around us and in us. If you can
do that, and live that way, you are really a wise man.
-- Euripides