AMI Continental fault and fix.

[gazzy58]

Hi folks just thought I would share a recent problem I had with my AMI Continental and let you know how I managed to fix it. Not sure if it is a common fault or not. My machine normally gives good service and has been doing so since I bought it in 1979. Switched the machine on today, played about three records and on the 4th selection, when the stylus ran into the run out groove of the record, the record would not reject, either by manually lifting the tone arm or by using the reject switch. Turntable was still running but had loss of sound. Checked fuses which were fine, then I remembered that this happened once before, many years ago. The fault was in the transfer motor being stuck. My machine has always been fitted with a DC motor, which may possibly have been taken off an earlier model such as a J or K. It is very difficult to access the motor with the deck trim in place, and almost impossible to get the deck cover off with the tone arm stuck in the position it was in. I believe these DC motors originally would have had a metal covering over the main body of the motor. Fortunately for me, mine has never had one fitted, so, by removing the screws holding the deck trim, I was able to able to get in with a screw driver and give the rotor a gentle nudge and away it went. Problem solved. I will monitor the situation and if it happens again, it might be time to strip down and clean the motor. If I remember correctly, I did this about 10 years ago or maybe more. Gary

[Ron Rich]

Hi Gary,
Yes, your Conti has the wrong motor installed on it. Early DC motors had a gray plastic, snap-on cover-- later ones had a small "door" which was held in place with a screw. The Conti's came with an AC motor of a totally different design-- (which needs oiling too !) Ron Rich

[gazzy58]

Hi Ron, thanks for confirming what I had already suspected. My machine was in commercial use up until 1979. It had just come off site when I bought from the operator. I am guessing when the original motor failed, they just swapped it out with what they had laying around in spares to keep it going. I guess its a matter of opinion, but these DC motors seem to be well built and overall very reliable. Obviously I have nothing to compare it against, never having owned a machine with the AC version. 

[Ron Rich]

Hi Gary,
One of the "better guesses" I have heard ! LOL-- IMHO, the AC motor was far superior-- However, the linkage failed as no one ever thought to grease it, and the motor failed, but not very often, due to lack of oil ( motor company offered a rebuilding service-- very in-expensive-- may still offer it ?). Ron Rich

[jukenorman]

It's not uncommon to see DC transfer motors installed in Continentals. There are people who say that the DC motor is more reliable and offers a smoother operation - although I am on the fence! There is a UK parts supplier who offers a gear to fit to a DC motor to convert Continentals from AC to DC transfer motors.

Norman.

[Ron Rich]

Hi Norman,
Never saw it done-- must be only done in the UK ? Word of (unaxked for) advise-- Don't sit on the fence for too long-- You will get a sore--- !
Ron nRich