Mech pickup arm cradle frame delayed shifting

[nyjb]

I've experience a similar issue with the cradle shifting, although it tends to appear when shifting to the left to play A-sides.

The cradle shifts about 3/4 of the way, and stays there while the record is plated.  Then it moves the rest of the way.  The problem with this is that a warped record can smack the stylus from the side.

I've tried a few things. Checking the wires from the trip switch, varying the upward pressure when attaching the tonearm assembly, adjusting the pickup lifting bushings.  These seem to influence the shifting process, but only by compensating for the problem rather than resolving it.  In one case, the control fork pin was very slightly bent; replacing it did the trick.

I'd welcome any thoughts about what's causing this.

Pretty sure I know the answer to this question, but...:

Is there a way to correct a stylus that's loose?  The ones in question are stereo "dog leg" stylii on the original redheads.

Thanks!

Terry

[Ron Rich]

Hi Terry
You did not mention the model # of this phono, so I don't know which side is the "A" side ?
Crazy question--have you tried "20 wt. oil" -- NO "Lubriplate", or "grease", of any kind !!!! ? IF either "Pick-up #1 or #2 adjusting screw is too tight, it will bind up. (A "dab" of Graphite grease, should be applied under #2 screw--only !) If the spring is broken, or has been "modified", this can also cause it-- Tone arm wire "catching" under the tone arm, when shifting ?
As for the needles ?? Is the cartridge plastic holder deformed/broken ? Has an "oversized" needle been forced into the cartridge--is the needle too small ( have not seen this happen--yet)?? Ron Rich

[nyjb]

Thanks Ron. It's an R.

I've been following the wise counsel here enough to know not to use Lubriplate anywhere, and I barely ever use grease. I'll take a second look at the adjusting screws. It's not the tonearm wire.

Is it plausible that the installation of tonearm assembly is a factor? Your guide has very specific instructions about how to tighten the screws.

Is there a particular spring you're thinking of?

In terms of the needles, the causes have been: aforementioned plating, klutzy installation/ removal, and perhaps a little heavy tracking. The stylii are either out of alignment or loose in the pale plue plastic.

Thanks again.

[Ron Rich]

Hi Terry,
Anything's possible--I'm thinking of item #20 ("spring" --2 used ) in the parts list --control fork hinge pin (#17) Possible that either #1, or #2 screw is too tight--didja checkem ??

If the needle itself is loose in the plastic--damaged/bad needle, or spring pressure incorrectly set, causing needle damage-- no damping fluid left in tone arm, causing needle to hit record with excessive force ? ? Ron Rich

2nd thought-- did you remove the cradle assembly ? If so, try loosening the three screws that hold the cradle to the main casting-and relieving some pressure on it, before re-tightening them.

[nyjb]

#2 was a little tight, and correcting it solved the problem. A great example of the importance of "knowing which screw to turn." I hope you're taking care of yourself, Ron. Same to the rest of you wise elders.

The support pin is the only screw I see holding the cradle assembly to the main casting, unless you count the bushings. I have a question about it, though. The support pin screws directly into the casting, yet there's a nut behind it so it can be locked in place even if not screwed in completely. It's not among the adjustments in my Service Manual. I've never had cause to fuss with it. What's the circumstance under which one would loosen it?

Another related question: does it matter much how much side play should there is in the control fork hinge pin? If so, what's optimal?

Regarding the needles, my question is more about whether or not it's possible to repair them after they've been mishandled. Perhaps it's a question better asked in a separate post.

Thanks again, Ron.

[Ron Rich]

Hi Terry,
"-- wise elders--" ??
Other then to "mount" the tone arm to the assembly, I have no idea what that screw was used for--but I have a guess on the locking nut,
based on the assembly of the last style tone arm cradle. In the later model cradle, that screw was tightened just enough to "expand" the casting slightly-and it was glued stationary. I assume the nut was there to provide that the cradle stayed exactly "expanded" enough ?
See the service manual for the correct control fork adjustment.
On the needles--that's gonnabe a tough one--If not structurally damaged--just "reform the yielding member" ( Jukebox repair persons NEVER-NEVER "bend" anything!), and hope for the best. Ron Rich

[nyjb]

and wise hope-to-become-elders.