Just got a Brunswick, looking for advice

[Phonographitti]

My wife found me a Brunswick 117 for an anniversary gift. It's a beautiful contraption, but something's not right and I know next to nothing about how these work. Most significantly, when I turn the crank the phonograph will turn, but unless I hold it in place the handle goes spinning backward and the record stops. When I do hold the handle in place, the motor makes a loud rapid clunking sound.

She says she heard it play in the store when she bought it, but that was several months ago and it's been hidden in storage until yesterday. Any ideas of what's going on? Is this damage that could have been done in transit?

[Curt A]

If the handle spins backwards when you are winding and let go, you have a problem with the ratchet pawl or spring which should stop the handle from spinning backwards under tension. Typically it is a small piece of metal attached to a spring that inserts itself into the winding gear to stop it from turning backwards. That could also cause a clunking sound. If the turntable spins when cranked, the mainspring is probably OK...

[larryh]

I have seen a number of machines with springs broken that would wind so far and then slip, but allowing them to play though part of a record. Not saying that is the issue here but it is something that might cause the thumping sound too as the spring jumps. If your not familiar with repairs I would suggest you get some recommendations for a good repair man from people here, if your competent with mechanics then you may simply be able to purchase the broken spring pawl and replace it. I doubt it would be broken in transit?

Larry

[Phonographitti]

Excellent. Thanks, fellas. I'll look around for a pawl and someone near Portland who can give me a hand.

[dutchman]

If the pawl is the problem and you replace it make certain to only wind the
spring enough to make sure it will hold the crank from going backwards prior to fully winding the machine. The crank handle becomes a propeller if it lets go on a fully wound machine.. it can put the hurt on the fingers. Just a cautionary note, don't ask me how I know.....still have spots of blood on the workroom carpet.....

[alang]

Before you go and buy anything, look if the winding pawl is stuck with old hardened grease. That could cause it not to engage and the crank turn backwards. You could try and loosen it temporarily with WD-40, but it should be all properly cleaned and lubricated before you play it.

Andreas