This is a re-post of my conversation with Step1. So far:
Success!
Thanks to all who helped me, from the bottom of my heart.
The only thing which is a bit scary really is that I'll never know what happened the first time around... will it happen again?
The arm, after shutter alignment (I had some experience with my 6006 and 8000!), tracks perfectly. Automatic speed change works too.
My remaining problems are:
- the arm which doesn't go up quickly enough (even after lubrication),
- the manual movements which are too slow (this shouldn't be too difficult, there are trimmers).
Let's have a look at the other posts now: homework time!
Step1:
Have you cleaned and lubed the angled arm that transfers the solonoid motion to the picup arm?
Well it didn't need to be lubed.
The deck is in good condition and lubrication was no disaster, except for the main bearing (dry sintered bronze).
Anyway it plays records now, no rumble or hum, just music!
I just think there must be some problem with the damper cylinder, the stylus lifting veeery slowly but the descent being just within tolerance (1 sec.). Insufficient solenoid power an option?
Any further advice appreciated of course!
Step1: [...]you should see that the damper retracts very quickly with the vertical lever I mentioned above following it!
That's my point, the damper retracts very slowly when it is free!
Everything is intact, and I do manipulate, and love it!
The mechanism is lubricated and everything moves freely, except for the damper. Is there a valve that could be obstructed?
Also, I am not afraid putting everything into bits and pieces!
Step1:
Ah ok have you ever had the piston out of the damper? I would do that and clean up then relube..
No, no. The thing is, you just can't relube with ordinary grease, can you?
I have arm damper fluid (polydimethylsiloxane, 600,000 cst) in stock which could be used.
Have you done it yourself?
If so, could you tell me how you (or anybody else here!) did it please?
Many thanks,
Jacques