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Post by cdbpdx on Feb 19, 2013 19:47:17 GMT -5
I'm about to tackle a spring repair on my A-250 motor. I've had success rebuilding Victrola and Grafonola motors, but I think the Edisons might have a few surprises for me. Any advice before I tear into the motor? I think all I want to do is remove the spring barrels, remove the springs, regrease/repair the springs, and reassemble. Maybe clean out the oil tubes, too. Advice would be appreciated. Thanks! CDB Attachments:
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Post by larryh on Feb 19, 2013 23:54:22 GMT -5
I am surely not much of a mechanic but I have found that many Edison and Brunswick motors run just as well today as they did when new. Have you determined that the spring barrels aren't working as they should after trying a few cycles in order to distribute the grease? I just got a single spring Jacobean which uses the large horn but a single spring and I have yet to hear the spring thump or act up. What I am having problems with is the noisy governor and so far I don't know what to do about that?
Larry
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Post by cdbpdx on Feb 20, 2013 1:58:47 GMT -5
The problem with my machine is a broken spring. Or two. No matter how long I crank, it won't wind up and the turntable only spins for about 10 seconds then stops. I'll know more when I open up the spring barrels. Everything else seems to run pretty smoothly when I spin by hand. I have high expectations for this one. CDB Attachments:
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Post by gibsonj on Feb 20, 2013 8:50:11 GMT -5
CDB
You may find that the spring has just unattached from the barrel anchor. This would cause the lack of tension. If you do find it broken in/around the slot on its end, you can successfully cut off the broken end and re-slot it. But, I would temper the "new" end a bit to give it strength.
Good luck and be careful taking these springs out. They are quite strong and will uncoil in a heartbeat.
John
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Post by edisoncylinder on Feb 20, 2013 9:47:13 GMT -5
Edison himself recommended that you do NOT let the springs run down completely since they do tend to disengage. Current advice from many people is to let the motor run down after you use it to "save" the springs. Don't do that. I find that it is best to have someone take the springs out who does it all the time. Even experienced people run into problems and Edison had powerful springs.
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Post by phonogfp on Feb 20, 2013 10:29:10 GMT -5
Current advice from many people is to let the motor run down after you use it to "save" the springs. Don't do that. Rather than taking an "all or nothing" approach, I'd recommend letting your disc machines run down almost all the way to preserve mainspring power over the decades. A bit of monitoring is required as the motor runs down, but you'll quickly develop an internal clock that will allow you to sense when it's time to set the turntable brake. As one who does his own mainspring servicing/replacing, I find this to have been a time saving and labor saving practice over the past 45 years. Of course, with cylinder machines, one may simply leave them to run down on their own, as there's no turntable to act as a flywheel to keep the motor running after the mainspring has expended its energy. George P. |
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Post by cdbpdx on Feb 20, 2013 15:02:38 GMT -5
Whew! You aren't kidding! Those springs are super heavy duty. One was broken, the other OK. Cleaned the one and reinstalled into the barrel. That was a lot of work! Gonna have to get another to replace the broken one. More to come. CDB Attachments:
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Post by cdbpdx on Feb 20, 2013 15:30:54 GMT -5
So where would one find an appropriate spring for this A-250. Just found out a 'regular' DD spring is different and will not work as well. CDB Attachments:
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Post by phonogfp on Feb 20, 2013 15:58:12 GMT -5
Just tell Ron Sitko you need a mainspring for an A-250. (518) 371-8549.
George P.
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Post by cdbpdx on Feb 20, 2013 16:35:02 GMT -5
UPDATE: The spring is on it's way. Should be here Monday! Oboy!
Called Mr. Sitko and left a message. Kind of getting excited about getting this A-250 working!
CDB
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Post by larryh on Feb 20, 2013 21:38:46 GMT -5
Its a bit of a mystery if Edison said not to let the springs run down that the repair manual says to have the dealers tell the customers to do just that ever so often to be sure the grease stays distributed well?
I must admit I rarely do that my self and I can't say I have noticed much in the way of loss of power? I think most companies suggested to let the motor run down in order to maintain the springs when not in use. What I was told way back was to never spin the turntable in the counter clockwise direction as it can allow the springs on many machines to unhook..
Larry
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Post by cdbpdx on Feb 26, 2013 22:30:55 GMT -5
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Post by cdbpdx on Feb 26, 2013 22:53:19 GMT -5
One new spring, one old cleaned up spring. Attachments:
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