The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi all, before anyone says it no, this isn’t something that can be fixed by adjusting the lever!

The governor is so far from where it should be that it’s fouling the lever spring , weights are a long way out from the bar so god knows how fast this would play if it wasn’t fouling.

I assumed it was just a case of loosening the bolt that seems to hold one end of the springs to the shaft and then slide it, but it doesn’t move even with the bolt removed. Seized? Or some other trick needed?

Sounds like it’s seized if it won’t allow you to straighten the governor springs. Can you remove the governor and then remove the springs and attempt to tap the piece that won’t move. Apply a little WD40.

Yes just came to the same conclusion but can’t delete the thread .

Got an afternoon of freeing this up now!

Sorry my reply prevents you deleting the thread!

Still will be interesting to hear if you get the motor running smoothly.

EdgarFB wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 8:20 am Yes just came to the same conclusion but can’t delete the thread .

Got an afternoon of freeing this up now!

No need to delete the thread. It's a learning experience for others who read it.

It may be coincidence, but the only 102's I have had with stuck governors have been the late post war versions.
In each case, a gentle tap on the sliding brass bush freed it.

JerryVan wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 11:46 am

EdgarFB wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 8:20 am Yes just came to the same conclusion but can’t delete the thread .

Got an afternoon of freeing this up now!

No need to delete the thread. It's a learning experience for others who read it.

Agree. It's good to read other people's experiences and problem-solving.

All freed up, motor stripped and services, spring unpack, cleaned and fresh grease and running nicely now (although slightly fast so will adjust the lever mechanism). I'll post a pic/vid up tomorrow when its all back together and I won't wake the kids up! It's a lovely 1939 in burgundy red.

Right, all put together and running nicely!... at about 99rpm

There's no more room to adjust the position of the speed control levers, its already at its slowest. What's my next step?

There is a lever that makes contact with the governor. Try to push the felt pad out a bit.