Sticky early style fuel sender - suggestions for getting it to move freely?

[scoot]

My 63 Fintail has the early style fuel sender - the kind with a float on a rod, etc.  I have it so that it moves and is pretty clean, but it moves stiffly such that it isn't going to raise and lower with fuel level.   I'm thinking of soaking it upside-down such the pivot point is submerged in lacquer thinner.    Thoughts?

thanks
Scott