Seeburg LPC1 doesn't clamp record hard enough to play record

[bjwizzer]

A friend of mine has a Seeburg LPC1 that doesn't clamp record hard enough to play the record.
The record mech has been lubricated and the clamping operation seems to be ok.
Are there any adjustments that can be made?

Thanks for your time,

BJ

[Ron Rich]

Hi BJ,
Yes--adjustments are in the Service Manual--but I doubt you have any problem if it works after PROPER, oiling-??-Ron Rich

[robnyc]

"BJ" there are several possible causes here:

-Someone pulled the clamp back too far and stretched the spring. Select a slot with no record and turn off power. Does the clamp fully close?

-Foreign matter in the pilot hole. Over the years the ambient oil and dust build up. In some cases, this can prevent the pilot pin from fully entering the flywheel hole. the test above may show this. Burrs can form in the hole or pin and cause the same problem. Simple cleaning may fix it, but often I've had to lightly file-ream the pilot or hole.

-Misaligned clamp is too far off to properly enter. This is unlikely if the clamp is at least mounting the record.

- Someone monkeyed with the speed transfer switch and caused too much back tension. Again, rare,but in used machines idiots can tinker and anything can happen.....I've seen this one too.

RobNYC

[Ron Rich]

I agree with Rob--seen it all, plus one other that I can think of-- worn out, turntable thrust bearing. If it's OK after Proper oiling, I would check that bearing's adjustment/life, at that point (It' supposed to be a .187 steel BALL, and move within the shaft !). Ron Rich