The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have rebuilt a few motors in past but occasionally I get this problem.... this one is a VV VI 2 single barrel, I pulled both springs, they looked good, regreased them, degreased every single gear, oiled ends of governor.. etc.
It cranks easy for about 12 cranks, then gets difficult to turn, after 12 cranks..its an arm wrestling match to get it up to 25.
With just the 12 cranks, it slows under the reproducers weight to a crawl...with the full 25..it will go thru one record.
Now I know the common reply is weak springs, but I do not believe that is the issue. Is there another issue that can exhibit this before I change the springs out. The springs are actually more costly than what a VV VI is worth.
Thanks

Sorry, no suggestions for your problem but Ron Sitko sells springs at reasonable prices. Jerry

Did the machine play good before you pulled the springs? Before you replaced the springs, did you re-grease them? Did you put the springs back in the proper order? Did you lubricate all of the motor parts? Did you check to see if the winding mechanism is binding to prevent a full wind? This is a trouble shooting list to start from. Good luck,
Harvey Kravitz

The most likely reason for your problem is one of the two springs is in backwards. With the cover off on the side of the spring barrel where the winding gear is the spring on top should wind COUNTERCLOCKWISE and the one on the bottom should wind CLOCKWISE. I had this problem with a double spring diamond disc motor that some amateur attempted to rebuild before me.
Hope this helps

I am not familiar with VV VI motors but if they operate in a similar fashion to Garrard motors then the coils of the two springs when opened up and lying on the bench should increase in diameter towards the outside edge of the barrel in a clockwise fashion---see attached photo. When either barrel is placed on top of the other, the coils of the top spring increase in diameter in an anti-clockwise direction---viewed from the top. This is a somewhat muddling situation to describe in words as "winding" can be read in two different ways. The springs are "coiled" in one direction but actually "wind up" to produce potential energy in the opposite direction !

Sorry if this confuses the issue but here we have a case of one photo being worth a thousand words !

Emger,
You were spot on..both my springs run counter clockwise (from the outer catch)..on the VV VI the winding barrel has pins that catch the other barrel so you are winding them both. I think it is the 2 spring single barrel that have the springs inserted opposite.

Really pleased you have solved the difficulty---well done---happy listening !