RDGCrusader wrote:
I can't seem to get the new spring to hold tension for more than a few seconds before it releases. Again it is a brand new spring, no fractures whatsoever, so my only hypothesis is that (see photo) the inner end of the spring is not getting a good enough hold on the main barrel shaft.
Having successfully installed quite a few mainsprings in the phonographs in my collection over many years I will offer my own personal advice.
I'll presume that the arbor hook is in fine condition so that it will catch and hold the inner end of the spring. If not then consider following Curt's advice above.
Before installing any mainspring into its barrel what I do is get either of the following:
1) a heavy set of needle nose pliers
2) 2 straight blade screwdrivers
With either of these in hand(s) I carefully bend and shape the end of the mainspring (the first "revolution" around the arbor) making a fairly tight circular shape so that I have almost a perfect "O" on the very end of the spring. The circular end must be made so that
it will just barely slip over the arbor (shaft) and its hook and ASSURE that there is plenty of room for the hook to
catch the hole in spring successfully. This works for me every time.
Good luck.
Doug