Victor VV-VI noise while platter spins

[Woody]

A few months ago, I bought this Victor VV-VI, which I’ve enjoyed quite a lot. (It’s my first machine but hopefully not my last.) However, about a month ago, it started making a slight clicking noise when in operation. It’s not terrible; often, you can’t hear it while music is playing, unless it’s a fairly quiet piece of music.

I’ve attached a video below. The noise happens even when I’ve removed the platter. Does anyone know what caused this? I’m not mechanically inclined, so I’m hoping it’s something simple, like that parts of the motor need lubrication.

[drh]

A few months ago, I bought this Victor VV-VI, which I’ve enjoyed quite a lot. (It’s my first machine but hopefully not my last.) However, about a month ago, it started making a slight clicking noise when in operation. It’s not terrible; often, you can’t hear it while music is playing, unless it’s a fairly quiet piece of music.

I’ve attached a video below. The noise happens even when I’ve removed the platter. Does anyone know what caused this? I’m not mechanically inclined, so I’m hoping it’s something simple, like that parts of the motor need lubrication.

Maybe this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1JDDYvX0-Y

[Jerry B.]

You might check to see if part of the brake assembly is coming into contact with the turntable as it spins. Please report back.

Jerry B.

[Woody]

I don’t think it’s the brake, as the clicking sound occurs even after I’ve removed the turntable.

The governor seems like a possibility. I’d think that the clicking would occur more frequently if the screw was bumping against the gear, but who knows?

[Phono-Phan]

I would suspect the brass gear that drives the turntable spindle. If you listen to it run, the noise is always at that same spot when the turntable spins. It may need to be adjusted on the spindle. Or, one of the teeth is worn.

[Inigo]

And the governor balls are kicking against something... That's the faster cliclicklick...

[Woody]

Thanks, I’ll look into these this weekend. And before I open up the box, I need to completely run down the spring, correct?

[Curt A]

If the platter is off, it should already be run down... just don't wind it back up.

[Woody]

Thanks! I’ll open it up and take a look this weekend.

[Woody]

I opened it up a little bit ago and discovered the issue, which was (thankfully) easy to fix. One of the small screws that attaches the governor balls had loosened a bit and was coming into contact with another part of the motor. I tightened it a bit, and the clicking went away. Whew!

Thanks for the help, everyone!