Need some Advice - Columbia Grafonola Table Top Model

[minnerhead1]

Hello, I recently just bought my first Grafonola and I'm trying to restore it. I have taken the motor out and have soaked it in PB blaster to get the tar like grease off of it. The crank was turning the barrel but it wasn't winding. Now that I have the motor out, I can wind it by hand and it seems to be winding. I haven't opened up the spring barrel because it seems be winding fine? Maybe the grease was preventing it from catching? One problem I'm having now, is that the reproducer head will not rotate. The needle is pointing up and and I can't move it for nothing.... Any advice on how to unfreeze the reproducer head? I noticed there is a pin in the head, are you supposed to be able to push the pin in? It won't move either. Advice is much appreciated....

Thank you,

Steve

[52089]

Frozen Columbia pot metal parts have been discussed here serveral times. Search for things like Columbia tonearm, Columbia elbow, frozen parts, etc. and you'll find lots of advice.

The quick answer is to douse the joints in PB Blaster, then stick in the freezer overnight. You'll find in 9 times out of 10 that will at least get you started.

If your reproducr is pointing the wrong way, I can't help but wonder if the tonearm was put onto the elbow upside down for some reason. You can probably just rotate the tonearm 180 degrees.

[estott]

The pin in the arm is supposed to come out a bit, it is attached to a spring and it drops into a hole when the reproducer is in the correct position.

[minnerhead1]

Thank you for the responses. I was able to break the head free and rotate it, but before I did I pulled the pin out of the head. I heard the spring either break off or slip off of the pin I pull out with pliers (not smart). Now I'm in a bind..... How does the reproducer head attach to the horn..... Also,how easily should the reproducer rotate? Would it be wise to pb blast it or leave it alone now that is is rotating. It's pretty stiff right now.

Thank you,

Steve

[minnerhead1]

I was able to get the reproducer off and I was able to get the pin back in. Thank you for your posts!

Steve

[estott]

The reproducer rotates so in theory you turn the needle socket upwards to change needles- but few bother to do this.