The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This is my first tinkering with a portable, a VV 1-6. I got a replacement swivel for the tone arm to replace the pot metal crumbled mess. Now the tone arm seems heavy, it slows the record almost immediately. The spring was cleaned and greased and looked strong and in excellent shape and gears look good. I attached a photo of the arm, swivel and black base. I suspect the tone arm set up. Does anyone see anything I may be missing in the swivel set up? The tone arm drops in the swivel and the pin pierces thru and it sits in the black base. There are holes for set screws but that merely prevents the tone arm from popping out and doesnt affect support.
I tried 3 different reproducers, didnt matter. If i slightly hold the base up the turntable takes off again. GRRRR