have had this for many years but now the table will stop and tonearm may or may not lift off record.  no pattern to stoping, may play whole lp or just one cut and stop.  local repair people no longer in business.  is this something major or minor?

Welcome to Beoworld !

It's something common.
It's safe to say that all decks of this type will now be suffering from cracked solder joints and bad capacitors (a kit is available).
Do a search in the forum (Beogram 6006 and Beogram 8000 will have the same issues) and you will find lots more info.
These decks are always worth repairing.

Martin

found a company, Soundsmith in NY state that repairs these, not cheap but they seem to  know B&O.  anyone have experience with them?  I dont have the skills to replace electronics on the 8002 so forced to have someone repair it.

Soundsmith strikes me as being very expensive.  I use Atlantic Systems in Hanover, MA.  They're the authorized B&O service center in the Northeast.  Ask for Paul Tilden - he'll likely give you a repair quote over the phone.

thank you! Will call him tomorrow.  I think the table is worth repairing considering the cost to get a newer table with same performance.