The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I never serviced a Victor motor before so I did research and contacted Roger Merenkov for help. Proceeding slowly, I took lots of photos along the way. Getting the retaining rings out was difficult. Once free of the rings I then tried to open the lids on the barrels, but I had trouble figuring it out. I stepped away to write this and when I went back, the answer just presented it's self and they are off. I put the spring barrels in a tall can and wore gloves before getting them out. Freeing the springs from the barrels was easy. I successfully disassembled the entire motor and cleaned everything with mineral spirits and an old tooth brush. Re-attaching the springs to the rivet inside the barrel was a challenge. Re-inserting the springs went well. I packed the springs with synthetic grease and oiled where required with premium gear oil. Once I had it re-assembled, it ran like it was brand new. Check out my You Tube video and turn up the volume so you can hear it run. Here is a You Tube video I made of the first test of the re-assembled motor. https://youtu.be/ZDvTY7FIYU0 If your spring driven motor bumps and needs service, be sure to look for Chilldude's You Tube page here. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp7-yq ... JKlS84hR0A

Thanks, very helpful. Jerry Blais

Getting the retaining rings out it not a major challenge. Getting them back can be.

My technique is to act like the ring is a circlip, which is to say, put the ends of the ring in first and apply pressure to the middle of the ring. You will probably need a screwdriver - and perhaps a second set of hands - to do this, at least the first time or 2.