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I'm new to this forum, having recently purchased a Victrola VV-XI G. I've been reading a great deal about repair. The Victrola plays, but exhibits all the symptoms of needing the springs repacked, and general motor maintenance (I'm also rebuilding the reproducer). Unfortunately, I'm already stuck before I get started. The crank handle seems to be seized. I know that it should remove easily by turning it counter-clockwise, but it won't. I've tried using WD-40/penetrating oil, and also applied heat with a heat gun, but nothing seems to work. I'm afraid to apply too much torque, concerned about breaking the gears.

Is there something I'm missing? I noticed a drift pin in the gear where the crank handle screws in, but didn't know if that was just to hold the gear in place, or possibly had to be removed before removing the crank handle.

Any suggestions/tricks? I've attached a photo. Thanks in advance. Dave

The pin is simply there to hold the gear on. The winding crank should just unscrew anti-clockwise, as you thought. I have had success with the old trick of putting the whole motor in the freezer for 24hrs, then immediately applying heat with a blow torch whilst turning the crank backwards. It could, of course be pure luck that it worked, but worth a try?

The pin in the winding gear stays in place, do not remove it.

Although the crank normally comes out easy, if its been in there a long time it can be stubborn the first time.

I would say give it some more muscle. If you're using your bare hands there not much chance of doing any damage.

Welcome to the forum, you should find it a very interesting place.

Larry Crandell

I used the freezer idea to free up a tone arm that would not move and had success with it.

I agree, if it were mine I'd probably give it a little more muscle. Worst case, that's a common model of Victrola and replacement parts are pretty cheap should anything go awry. The freezer trick may help. Having the motor mounted in the machine will also help so you're not trying to hold the motor while awkwardly trying to unscrew the crank. Another trick would be to gently give the crank handle a few taps with a rubber mallet.

Welcome to the forum... Kroil oil helps unseize parts (available on Amazon) Check a hardware store for different penetrating oils. As said above a easy short wrap with a hammer can do it too. That will be the last resort. To apply heat correctly you will have to take the motor out and heat the part where the crank goes in. I also have used the freezer method and had it work. Tom B

I've had great success with stuck parts by freezing, though I use spray 'computer duster' to quickly freeze just the affected parts. Just turn the spray can upside down and the spray will be extremely cold (even dangerously cold - DO NOT TOUCH!). The part will be quickly frozen to minus 20 degrees or so. Also, you don't have to empty the freezer to make room for the motor.

Welcome to the Forum!

Cliff

I'd use the Kroil, if you can find it, or a product I use, widely available at Ace Hardware: CRC Power Lube. A couple of spritizes applied at the threaded end of the crank ("winding key" in Victorspeak), wait a while (say, 15-20 minutes), then tap firmly on the wooden handle in the CCW direction with the rubber mallet to shock it loose.

Seems that the right product does the trick. I bought a can of "Blaster" penetrating catalyst at Home Depot, and applied more muscle to the winder. Finally got it to break loose. Now for the cleaning/rebuild...

Thanks for all the help.

Dave Barger