The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I've always wanted an external horn disc machine, so I am very excited to have added a Victor III this week!

The only issue it seems to have is the governor. Even with the speed control screw all the way down, it still runs too fast. A previous owner actually stuffed a few felt pads in to slow it more, though it wasn't quite enough. I have attached a few pictures of the motor. Any tips on adjusting this so it runs at a more proper speed? It's a much earlier Victor motor than I am used to seeing.

I am also curious about how to identify what year this was made. My copy of the Victor Data Book hasn't been too much help. The motor uses a slotted crank, so I assume this is probably earlier in the run?

I'm grateful for any help you guys can offer!

have you tried moving the guvnor bearings slightly so the guvnor plate is nearer to the pad or you could bend the arm slightly.

You will need to loosen the screw that secures governor pads assembly to the shaft and adjust the pad assembly so that it rests closer to the governor friction disc and then tighten that screw. It will be a trial and error procedure but you'll see what's going on once you examine the pad assembly. It's been a few years since I adjusted this on one of my own Vic III's but it's pretty simple.

Doug

Nate,

There is a setscrew at the base of the stirrup of the friction pads that can be loosened, and then re-tightened after the rod has been adjusted.

The entire governor assembly and its end bearings are shifted too far away from the governor friction pads. WITH THE MOTOR COMPLETELY WOUND DOWN, Loosen the screws holding the end bearings in place. By pushing on the end of the bearing at the friction plate end, slide the governor assembly ahead about ⅛" inch and re-tighten the bearings. Be sure there is tiny bit of end play in the governor bearings so that the governor shaft is not bound up. Retry your speed adjustment.

Thanks Doug and Zwebie, I see exactly what you mean. I'm having a hard time getting my hand and a screwdriver into that tiny space, so I'll have to look for a smaller set of screwdrivers. I may give the shifting of the governor a shot as well, if I can't get at that set screw.

Nate, be sure to heed Jerry's advice on letting the motor completely unwind. Loosening screws in a wound up spring will surely lead to damaged parts and possibly bloody fingers.
Joe

Very nice Victor III. I like the early machines with those early motors.

You can adjust it different ways, like the other members mention in the previous threads.

That is a nice motor, but yours seems to have the round 2 pad speed regulator yoke, I have a motor with one of those, they are nice, but mine actually broke and it was a pain to find a replacement. George V. had one, and it cost 50.00 to replace the yoke. If you ever have to work on the governor just be careful removing the yoke.

Zwebie wrote:Nate,

There is a setscrew at the base of the stirrup of the friction pads that can be loosened, and then re-tightened after the rod has been adjusted.

This may be the last resort, but it is actually what you will have to do to get it to function properly, I had to do that a few times. On some of the regulator arms, there is a little hole that you need to line the screw up with and it should be in the correct position. On yours, I think there is some play as its like a square notch on the arm for most of them two pad yokes.