USC-2 clutch problem

[Ron Rich]

Hi Stephen,
Unfortunately, on that model ONLY, both brands were intermixed. If black in color, it's an A-MP, and I don't recall how to remove the pin. If a "white-egg-shelled" color, just look at the connector and you will see a small hole in the side, with a metal tab in it-- just use something small to bend that tab inward SLIGHTLY ( as you will need to reform it to hold it in-- Ron Rich

[paradisecs]

Thanks Ron. It's the white version. I'll see if I can get it out. While troubleshooting my original issue here with the clutch and stuttering another question came to mind. During my tear down and cleanup of the unit I pulled up the track (gear rack assembly) to clean it. Are the two track pieces directional in the way the snap in to place? They fit with either side up or down.

Probably not related but it just came to mind since this is the only machine I've pulled those piece off. I'm looking for a spare clutch assembly to swap out see if it's any better.

Stephen

[Ron Rich]

Hi Stephen,
Not sure I understand the track question--I always pull one section at a time-- The teeth go on the record rack side. The longer section goes to your right if you are looking at the front (carriage side), of the mech. "---Spare clutch" ? Which a member, or assembly ? Have you checked the clutch yoke pin--have you checked the clutch yoke, block (long)support pin ? Have you checked the clutch member, itself, Have you checked the pin on the pinion gear ? Have you checked the detent lever roller ? Ron Rich

[paradisecs]

Sorry Ron. What I meant was that the long and short sections can be flipped over end to end and put back in. Does this affect anything or are is there an up and down side of the two track pieces?

As to the other things you just gave me a few more things to check.

Stephen

[Ron Rich]

Stephen,
I dono--I just remove them--set them aside one at a time and clean inside the casting and the bottom of the rack--replace and go on to the next one after moving the mech. ? I never realized they can be flipped over in that way --- Ron Rich

[andylevine]

paradisecs - sounds like i’m chasing very similar problems on my STD4. I’ll get back to it tomorrow when I get home. Please post any results you find, I’m very interested. Do you you also occasionally ‘miss’ selections, like one slot off???

[paradisecs]

Andy, no other issues with selections either direction. It plays fine but has the stutter just on A sides. I haven't had time this week to do any other checking yet.

Stephen

[paradisecs]

Pulled the clutch to check it. Found nothing wrong so I put it back in and re-adjusted clutch 1-4 and the detent switch. No more stutter so I solved that problem.

Naturally though a new one cropped up. This time on the B side of things. A sides load and reject fine. B sides now have the pickup and reject issue.

Can I rule out electrical, since the A sides are good? Or what mechanically affects only one side when that is the issue? I have fixed several mechs that had the same problem but they were affected on both sides. Do I need to back one of the clutch adjustments off a bit?

I will check with Ron's guide book after the kids go to bed

Stephen

[paradisecs]

Pulled the rack off to watch it scan and trip. When tripping the A side the safety plunger is clearing. When tripping the B side the safety lever only goes up about half the distance as it does on the other side so the plunger doesn't clear. So I know it's mechanical I'm just not sure why.

Stephen

[andylevine]

Stephen, glad to hear you solved your clutch issue. I too pulled my mech yesterday and replaced the clutch member. I just did adjustments 1-4 (2 was WAY wrong!!) A few more adjustments to make (mech hitting bumpers too hard) and I can get it backs in the cabinet. Fingers crossed. Good luck with your safety plunger issue

[paradisecs]

Problem solved. I had two issues hitting simultaneously. Mechanical problem...the short spring on the back of the safety lever adjustment plate was loose. Reattached and that fixed the mechanical issue. The other issue was the magnetic trip switch. It worked on the A sides but when a B side loaded it was tripping before the needle ever landed. Re-adjusted and now it seems fine on both sides.

Ron, why would the magnet switch work fine for one side but be out of adjustment on the other? Obviously it was not adjusted correctly but what is the physical reason one side would be different?

Stephen

[Ron Rich]

Hi Stephen,
I have no idea what could cause that magnetic trip switch problem--In fact, I would think it could not happen ??
Ron Rich