The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hey guys. A friend gave me his portable victrola to enjoy. It worked for a while, but then I had to put it in storage. A year later, I pull it down, put on my favorite Bill Monroe record, turn the crank, push the lever and...nothing. The plate does not move at all. The crank seems to be turning fine, and all the gears seem to be moving and interacting properly, and everything is well lubricated. But I can get no power from the springbox. What should I do? Can the lever itself be damaged? Im not sure how to pull the plate off without dismantling the gears beneath, and being no mechanic, I am loath to try without proper guidance.

I know very little about these wonderful machines, but I would love to learn. Thanks for your time and help.

Hello....

Perhaps I can help a little or refer you to someone who can assist. Contact me with a PM and maybe some of your questions can be answered. I have two portable Victrolas.

Jimmy wrote:Hey guys. A friend gave me his portable victrola to enjoy. It worked for a while, but then I had to put it in storage. A year later, I pull it down, put on my favorite Bill Monroe record, turn the crank, push the lever and...nothing. The plate does not move at all. The crank seems to be turning fine, and all the gears seem to be moving and interacting properly, and everything is well lubricated. But I can get no power from the springbox. What should I do? Can the lever itself be damaged? Im not sure how to pull the plate off without dismantling the gears beneath, and being no mechanic, I am loath to try without proper guidance.

I know very little about these wonderful machines, but I would love to learn. Thanks for your time and help.

If the spring winds up all the way and holds tension, it has to be something to do with the brake
system or something jamming it up. The turntable should lift straight off the spindle then maybe
you can see what the brake is doing under there. Pictures would be helpful also.