Seeburg 201 slow play

[fireman110]

Hello everyone,
Currently I'm having the problem of slow playing on A sides only... I sounds like the record is playing around 43-44.5 rpm (sounds wavy) but the B Sides sound perfect... I'm currently at a loss for what would make the one side run slower than the other.
Any thoughts or suggestions to a solution?

[jukeboxmarty]

The Motor Coupling, Motor Mounts, Motor Support Plug, and the Rubber Turntable Bushings can all contribute to the sound being 'wavy'.

Slow playing can be caused by a faulty Motor Capacitor, or a mechanical lubrication or binding issue. I wouldn't suspect the motor capacitor if the speed is correct in one direction... although you never know!

[fireman110]

I've replaced the needles, motor, run motor cap and all the caps in the receiver

[jukeboxmarty]

Jul 3, 2024 18:18:30 GMT fireman110 said:

I've replaced the needles, motor, run motor cap and all the caps in the receiver

What I said above still stands.

[dberman51]

Check the end-play of the turntable shaft. Make sure the motor worm gear is aligned with the large turntable shaft gear. Make sure the worm gear shaft upper bearing is clean and well-lubricated.

-David

[wilitrun]

Without having played with these units long enough to give specific advice, I can only speak in general terms.
So far as I know, the only mechanical difference between playing A or B side is the position of the tone arm/pickup assembly. Electrically there's nothing affecting motor speed unique to A or B side operation- the entire drivetrain turns in the same direction regardless. So in troubleshooting I would begin by examining the tone arm/pickup assembly and making sure it and all its appurtenances is free to travel all the way to both stops. As the pickup carriage will rest in either A or B side during scan and park, it's possible the discrepancy could be from the unit resting in B side play for a long period and being "cranky" about being in the other position. Failing that, I'd move on to any mechanical binding or dragging point that isn't unique to A/B side play as suggested by others. The lubrication chart points to them all as points to not only lubricate, but to check for gumming and binding during troubleshooting.
I would also recommend pulling the clutch from the back of the mechanism and thoroughly clean and relubricate all pivots and slides with 3-in-1 motor oil, paying especial attention to the clutch pivot pin as it's very difficult to keep properly lubricated when installed. This tends to solve all sorts of playback issues and isn't time wasted.
The only other thing I can think of is that if your 201 has the EP feature, it would be equipped with an Auto-Speed Unit that alters the operating frequency of the motor to change its speed. But so far as I know your mech is the 245ST-1 which operates at 45RPM in bypass (normal) mode.