The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Picked this up for 125 at a yard sale!! case is really perfect and the soundbox and motor look totally
unmolested!! Age old question...what is the best cleaner for the old grease on the motor??
What is best new lubricant to use after cleaning?? i thougght of using laquer thinner but
maybe too strong.
Thankks Terry

Many ideas and threads exist on cleaning motors... I like automotive brake cleaner or kerosene.

At a yard sale? Wow, Congrats! Likely a low mileage machine that's been well stored for decades. It looks beautiful.

I took my victrola IX motor completely apart and the cleaner I used was low odor mineral spirits. I used synthetic gear grease for the springs and the teeth of the gears. I used sewing machine oil on all the parts designated by Victor in an instruction book you can find on this site. Carefully clean the cabinet with Gojo hand cleaner with out pumice. Finish off with Howards Feed and Wax. The price you paid was low enough to allow the purchase of all of the above. Congratulations!

The motor was so nice, I think it had never been touched
since factory. i washed it in gasoline, then sprayed it with
brake cleaner, let it dry then applied the spray on
teflon grease!! Also had to build a crank!

No need to use toxic, carcinogenic, flammable petroleum distillates to dissolve the grease. The BEST way to clean motors is with plain-old, inexpensive, safe vegetable cooking oil. The effects of solvent exposure are cumulative. I prefer to avoid the brain cancer.

That is great advice, I have farmed for 44 years and have had my share of that stuff!
I will heed your advice and try cooking oil ( I actually grow that) in the form of
canola oil. Thanks John