The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi all

I have a couple of basic questions re a Triumph model B.

The first question relates to the 6 suspension springs that go over the 3
screws/bolts attaching the motor to the bedplate.

Are the springs between the bedplate and the motor different to the ones located on the underside of
the motor frame? I just figured that the ones on the underside would have continual pressure and
therefore need to be of a more resilient steel?

My second question relates to using petrol to clean the motor. As it was caked up with 100 years of dried oil and fine gear dust
(mostly on the Triton springs), I soaked the motor in petrol overnight, then when it was dry I used sewing machine oil to lube it
up. It still needs a good clean, but I cannot hear the motor running (although I haven't yet connected a belt). I hope petrol was
ok to use?

I did look at an earlier string re cleaning the spring, where other products were used, but took the risk anyway.

Ade

The motor/bedplate mount springs are all identical an should be tightened just beyond being loose.

Petrol (gasoline I assume) will not hurt the motor at all. You should put some grease w/ graphite powder in the springs.

there's nothing wrong with solvent for cleaning... in fact it's pretty much the only way to clean it.
to do a good job you'd have to take it apart and clean every piece individually before reassembling with fresh grease.

The only danger of using petrol/gasoline for cleaning anything is the real danger of fire. I hope you did it outdoors with very good ventilation. Even so, a dangerous choice.

Thanks all for your information and advice.

I really need to be working in a proper workspace, and not in the sunroom,
as the motor and bedplate are especially heavy to handle without proper jigs
and stands to hold them.

Yes I was talking about gasoline, and I was extra vigilant, but agree it was a dangerous choice.

I did look around for some solvent named "Turco", that I remembered using many years ago
as an apprentice working on electrical switchgear, but couldn't locate.

Anyways, I'm not satisfied with the result I have achieved and will take your advice and strip the motor
and rebuild, once I have a little more experience and confidence. The spring definitely needs more cleaning.

ade

JerryVan wrote:The only danger of using petrol/gasoline for cleaning anything is the real danger of fire. I hope you did it outdoors with very good ventilation. Even so, a dangerous choice.

Most solvents that will remove grease and dirt from a motor are flammable and gasoline is no more dangerous that xylene, toluene, naptha, kerosene, alcohol, paint thinner, etc. None should be used indoors... and you shouldn't be smoking (it's definitely not good for your health).

Thanks Curt, advice noted , and Leo, that's a very nice looking machine, I hope
I can achieve that result with mine.

Regards

Curt,

Gasoline is definitely more dangerous than the other solvents you listed.