Major Set Back or Minor adjustment?

[toddbowie]

I have been restoring a V-I and got it to the point of all put back together, speed control working properly, wound up and let it run down about 20 times and looking great. However, when I went to play a record, as soon as I put the reproducer to the record it slowed and came to a stop. The speed control pad is not touching the governor and it is running at full speed. The needle is new and the record is the only one I have. It just seems the weight of the reproducer on the record just causes such a drag that the turntable slows and stops. Is there an adjustment to give the motor a little more torque or any spots I should oil to get it running properly? I'd hate to get this far and have to abort the restoration.

Thanks,
Todd

[Curt A]

You may have a weak or shortened mainspring. If that is the case, you may need a replacement...

[Uncle Vanya]

The bottom end of the turntable spindle should rest on a single small ball bearing. This is often held in the socket by grease, and can fall out during cleaning. If the motor is reassembled without this part it will run, but poorly, since the gears will not mesh properly.

[Mr Grumpy]

It could also just need a bit of tweaking (not the same as twerking).

I usually find slight adjustment and oiling of the governor will cure this. Sometimes it's too tight between the
two points which causes a bind and sometimes it's too loose which causes a bind in the gearing.

[VintageTechnologies]

The most obvious things to look for have been mentioned and you should try those first. Is the spring weak? Is the spring lubed properly? Do the parts turn freely by hand when the spring barrel is removed from the motor? Does the governor shaft pass freely through the governor flange? Do the governor weights flare outward evenly when it spins up. Any strange noises, regular or irregular?

Failing all of those, look for signs of excessive wear, such as the brass gear on the spring barrel. I once serviced a Sonora whose spindle would bind up in a worn oblong hole of the upper motor plate when much torque was applied by winding up the spring. When turning the spindle by hand with the spring barrel removed, no problem was evident.

My point is, many friction points are possible, usually obvious, sometimes subtle.

[martinola]

Todd,

I've also found that the anchoring screws (that hold the motor to the motor board) can sometimes cause enough pressure on the motor frame to cause binding. I once got a motor to behave by backing those out about a quarter turn each. Stick with it. You'll get it.

Regards,
Martin

[Victrolacollector]

I would try other records, some records are worn and cause the record to slow down.
In addition to this, needles must be changed.

I would check to make sure that the ball bearing is present in the bottom of the turntable shaft. MAKE SURE YOUR MOTOR IS WOUND DOWN BEFORE DIS-ASSEMBLY..CAN BE DANGEROUS!

Is there wear on the brass drive gear? These wear and can be replaced by contacting George V. he has these New in Stock, or some good old ones. I had to replace the gear in my VV-VI, I found out the replacement I bought did not fit (it had angle cut gears), and so keep in mind if the gear is straight cut or angle cut when replacing.

I would make sure there is tiny bit of play in the governor bearing, not too much play just a tad bit. If the governor bearings are too tight it will cause the motor to bind.

Also, the mainsprings may need replaced.....and keep in mind that the bull gear (large gear attached to the spring barrel) may also be worn, these can contribute to motor problems.

All the best.

Happy Holidays,

Jerry P.

[toddbowie]

Wow, that is a lot to digest all at once for a novice. I'll start with the simpler things that I can comprehend easily and work my way toward the more complicated ones. I'll stick with it as you all have been a huge help so far and I'm not one to give up easily. Will be working on it tonight and will keep you all posted on progress or might reach out for help.

Thanks Very Much,
Todd

[Player-Tone]

I usually find slight adjustment and oiling of the governor will cure this. Sometimes it's too tight between the
two points which causes a bind and sometimes it's too loose which causes a bind in the gearing.

Bingo! Any time I had a similar problem this is what fixed it.

[Curt A]

"I would try other records, some records are worn and cause the record to slow down."

That comment made me think of something... what type of records are you trying to play? The windup machines are made for shellac records made in the early part of the twentieth century. If you try to play more "modern" 78s they tend to drag because the compounds changed - those records would be mid 1930's and on. Big band records of the 1940's, rock & roll of the 1950's are designed to play on electric turntables with electronic pickups which are lighter in weight... just a thought.