Moved a C250 and now it's cranky

[Disc Junkie]

Hello,

I love records and record players but all mine are from the 50s or newer.  I had a chance to pick up a working Edison c250 and about 10 discs for $200.  When I bought it, which was an impulse buy, it worked fine, I hadn't done any research on it and I brought it home on it's side.

Now it sounds like crud.  It makes noise (louder as it's first turning on and then still present after it reaches speed) and doesn't want to reach max rpm without sufficient cranking but then again, I'm TERRIFIED of over cranking.  I didn't realize you could use sewing machine oil so I bought some synthetic oil for phonographs off of eBay.  Now I have to wait four days for the oil to find out if it was just lost oil that did the damage or if i broke something.  So...

How are these usually transported and (since my machine now smells like oil) are there spots within the phonograph player that could have lost significant oil in transport which is causing the noise and poor performance now or is there something else I should be looking at.

There's nothing like buying the coolest thing you've ever owned and then spending a week wondering if you broke it.

Thanks!

[Disc Junkie]

Added oil to the cups, et c. Still makes rpm related noise. The more cranks the louder the noise.

[lucius1958]

Have you done anything other than add oil?

It is always a good idea, when you buy an antique phonograph of any kind, to disassemble the motor and clean it, *then* relubricate it before playing.

You should also check the oiling tubes to make sure they are clear: after nearly a century, the old oil may have solidified, preventing any new oil from reaching its destination.

Also, it would be helpful if you could describe the sort of noise you are hearing: if it recurs in a particular rhythm, that would help in diagnosing its source. Usually, the most likely source of noise in a spring motor is the governor, as that is the fastest spinning part.

Generally, the best remedy is to go over every part of the motor thoroughly, then start tweaking the small adjustments.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Before you disassemble the motor, make sure that the mainsprings are COMPLETELY WOUND DOWN: otherwise, you may run the risk of personal injury and damage to the motor.

I hope this advice has been of some help.

[Disc Junkie]

So after sitting for three days, we fired it up and there was no noise. Oil must have gotten to where it needed to. It if sounds good is maintenance required or can you get away with playing it. Terrified of tearing the thing apart.

[lucius1958]

After nearly a century, it is always a good idea to thoroughly inspect the motor, clean off the old grease and oil, and re-lubricate everything.

If you pay attention during the disassembly, and keep a record of what goes where, it will make reassembly much easier. If screws or other parts are reluctant to move, a penetrating oil such as "Liquid Wrench" or "Kroil" will loosen them.

For cleaning, I would recommend an old toothbrush: there is a product called "Krud Cutter", which is quite effective at dissolving old grease and oil. Alternatively, for small parts, you can use naphtha (lighter fluid).

Unless you find the mainsprings "thumping", it is not necessary to remove them for cleaning and re-greasing (indeed, from my experience, Diamond Disc springs are rather a tough job to work with). You can, however, add new grease through the hole in the spring barrels that is covered with a large screw. An automotive grease, such as lithium or molybdenum, is good.

Lastly, it is always good to replace the gaskets in the reproducer for the best sound, and make sure the weight moves freely. You might also invest in a high power jeweler's loupe to examine the stylus: if there is a flat spot, it is likely to damage the records. Fortunately, there is a new source for replacement styli, via the Bruce company...

I hope this information has been of some use.

BillS