The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Well, good news is that I found the problem. The shaft that runs directly through all three barrels is bent. I figure someone bent it when they removed the a pin that goes through the shaft on the ratchet end. It's bent bad enough that it is causing the double barrel, or the first and second spring, to bind on the shaft, making the motor stumble and eventually stop before all the tension is released. What I mean by double barrel, or the first and second spring, is that this 3 barrel motor has 1 singular barrel and 1 2 spring barrel. Now I don't know whether I should look for a different motor or just attempt to find a shaft.

Thatphonographguy wrote:Well, good news is that I found the problem. The shaft that runs directly through all three barrels is bent. I figure someone bent it when they removed the a pin that goes through the shaft on the ratchet end. It's bent bad enough that it is causing the double barrel, or the first and second spring, to bind on the shaft, making the motor stumble and eventually stop before all the tension is released. What I mean by double barrel, or the first and second spring, is that this 3 barrel motor has 1 singular barrel and 1 2 spring barrel. Now I don't know whether I should look for a different motor or just attempt to find a shaft.

Wow, that's kind of strange, but happy that you found it! Can you straighten the shaft?

It sounds strange but isn't. There is a pin in the crank shaft that goes through it on the ratchet end. The ratchet gear is slotted and the pin keeps it from turning. Bad design. Because the pin has to come out to pull the shaft through in order to access the springs. It's a complicated description if you've never really worked on one of these early victrola motors. I don't mean that to sound arrogant. Heck, this is the earliest motor I've had to service. It was an odd time of transition in 1912. I've pondered upon the idea of straightening it, but not sure how. A different shaft in better condition would probably be best. But without buying a parts motor, it may be hard to find. I'm guessing this problem is and was a common one. Seeing how Victor completely changed that design relatively quickly. It becomes a problem in terms of serviceability.

Another thing to note. I've seen earlier designs of the triple spring motor, and they're different. The shaft on earlier motors from different models doesn't go straight through all three springs. I have to wonder if this design wasn't exclusive to just these earlier restyled VV-XVI models. Because it wouldn't make sense that Victor would follow up on a much better design with a clearly worse one. But, as we all know, 1912 was an oddly transitional time.

So if anyone knows where I can get a shaft, or knows where I can find one of these motors, let me know.

A photo of the shaft in question would be a huge help.

Unless the bend is severe, you should be able to straighten it, or have it straightened. A complete motor would be a bit drastic and expensive.

Django wrote:Unless the bend is severe, you should be able to straighten it, or have it straightened. A complete motor would be a bit drastic and expensive.

My thought as well. Hoping to see a photo to determine how feasible straightening might be.