The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm working on a single spring Victrola motor from a VV-50 portable phonograph.

The old spring was really weak so I installed a new spring from Ron Sitko. Even with the new spring, it doesn't always start by itself, it needs a little push to start spinning once the governor brake is released. Also, it doesn't take much effort to stop the spindle once it gets moving. Seems it should be strong and always start on it's own when the spring is wound up. It is a fairly simple motor, it should work. I replaced the governor end bushings thinking that might be the issue, but no change. I also closely examined the drive gear, spindle and governor spirals, the spindle gear that drives the governor, and they all look good. When the spring barrel is not installed, the spindle and governor spin very smoothly, with good momentum once it starts spinning. No drag is apparent there.

Any ideas??

See the issue on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/cZ5c6QQ5ZDI

Thanks! Cliff

Check to make sure the ball bearing is under the spindle.

Bob wrote:Check to make sure the ball bearing is under the spindle.

The ball bearing is there. Cliff

What is the condition of the spiral gear on the spring barrel? Are the gear teeth faces flat and even, or are steps worn in them from many rears of wearing against the spindle shaft spiral? Those steps will drag down the motor.

JerryVan wrote:What is the condition of the spiral gear on the spring barrel? Are the gear teeth faces flat and even, or are steps worn in them from many rears of wearing against the spindle shaft spiral? Those steps will drag down motor.

Here's what I mean;

JerryVan wrote:What is the condition of the spiral gear on the spring barrel? Are the gear teeth faces flat and even, or are steps worn in them from many rears of wearing against the spindle shaft spiral? Those steps will drag down motor.

So, you were using my drive gear as a model for the worn gear tooth drawing..??

Thanks! Cliff

Kudos to Jerry..Spot on! I occasionally run into that phenomena...and never thought to look for that issue.

Wow, I'm usually only right once a year! With the year almost gone, I was wondering when it would happen this year.