I have inherited a relative's Beomaster 800 system with a Beogram 3000 turntable, Model GR3000, Type 5228, purchased in 1974.  Sadly, it only functions when set on "17" (i.e. 45 RPM) but nowhere else.  The belt is intact.  When set in the "Manual - On" position, the motor can be heard, but the flywheel doesn't turn.  My questions: 1. Any ideas?  2. Is there a way to remove the inner platter and see what's going on?

Thanks.

Lift off the platter.
Grab the center tap with "firm yet gentle" force and pull up.
This will reveal three screws holding the subplatter to the spindle.
Watch out for the fairly large spring under the center tap and a bronze washer.

Notes:
- The center tap can be pushed down and turned to put away when not in use.
- The belt will almost always come off if the turntable is operated with the transport screws tightened.
- Lifting off the platter is normally enough to access the belt.
- There are only a few mechanical parts found under the subplatter, everything else is reachable from underneath.

Martin

Martin:

Sincere thanks for your quick and extremely helpful reply to my posting!

That worked beautifully!  I had been reluctant to pull on the center tap, but once I knew that it was the key, a little persistence popped it off.  The problem is clearly exposed: it seems that  the cam wheel no longer makes contact with the shaft (arrow in the photo).  I am guessing that the rubber has just worn down over its 30+ years of service.

Does this sound like a reasonable assumption?

Steve

The idler wheel looks fine but is held against the motor spindle only by the elasticity of the belt (which is not currently mounted).
The assy holding the idler wheel should swing back and forth if pushed by hand. If not - clean and lubricate.
The whole motor assy can be accessed and taken out from below.

Martin

Ok.  The belt is probably the principal suspect.  I'll clean everything anyway, as I have with the other units.Thanks for your clear and timely instructions. 

Steve

Steve,

If the belt is the problem you have nothing to lose ..

Try cutting out about 10-12mm of the old belt, straight cuts, and glue the ends back together using superglue.

Of course this is not the perfect solution but will give you an idea if replacing the belt will get the Beogram working.

Martin

Martin:

Just to be on the safe side I got a replacement belt from Turntable Basics (an OB 25.1).  This was not the complete solution - it is a lovely belt, but everything was as before.  I reread your earlier post and decided to check the assembly a little closer - it seemed to be pretty rigid.  With some assistance, it moved (as opposed to "swung") and grudgingly worked on a 12" album.  I will continue with cleaning tomorrow and get some light lubricant (sewing machine oil?) and follow the chart.  The assembly movement just seems to have seized with age...

Thanks again,

Steve