Speed problems with old turntable?

[thetawave2]

We just took my mom's Pioneer PL-A450 out of storage. I got a new belt for it and cleaned off the gunk that was left from the old one. The motor spins like new. It's playing records, but it seems to be turning a little on the slow side, and the speed seems slightly inconsistent. What can I do about this? Thought about lubing the platter bearing with WD-40. Would this be advisable? If that doesn't work what else can I do? I don't think this turntable has the capability to adjust the speed....

[Polkersince85]

Is that a PL-45D (dee)
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/p.../pl-a45d.shtml

Don't use WD40 on the bearing. Light wt. oil would be better. The motor bearing could use some oil also. A little bit goes a long ways.

[thetawave2]

Is that a PL-45D (dee)
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/p.../pl-a45d.shtml

Don't use WD40 on the bearing. Light wt. oil would be better. The motor bearing could use some oil also. A little bit goes a long ways.

Yeah I must have misread the D.

Okay I'll keep the WD-40 out of the equation! So far as the light wt. (=weight?) oil, is there anything I should look for or stay away from? Is silicone okay or out-of-bounds? Any particular brand you like that would be a good value?

Thanks for the help :) I took the belt off and tried to give the platter a spin, and I'm pretty convinced it's the platter bearing.

[thetawave2]

NVM on asking for the suggestions. For some reason the PDF you sent didn't download at first. Looking into some Super Lube! Thanks so much.

[thetawave2]

I just found some Blue Juice valve oil in my closet. This oil is used for valves in wind instruments, both rotary and piston. Would this be appropriate for now?

[newbie308]

Super lube is a realy good product, but if you are unable to source it. I have used Remington gun oil with good results, and that can be found at any gun store, Dicks sporting goods, Kmart, etc.

[thetawave2]

I'm still getting used to the terminology in the world of vinyl. The user's manual refers to a "center shaft" rather than a platter bearing. It's a stationary spindle that the platter spins on. I've been using a lightweight oil (Blue Juice valve oil) and it doesn't seem to be helping much. Do you think I need something a little more heavier, like a grease?

[Polkersince85]

Just oil/grease the shaft and motor then leave it running a long time. May true it up a bit by burning everything back in to stabilize it.

[thetawave2]

Just oil/grease the shaft and motor then leave it running a long time. May true it up a bit.

I have tried to give the platter a few spins to work in the oil, but maybe it needs some time to break in. I'll give that a shot. Thanks for the tip!

[thetawave2]

Okay I found the problem! I thought the center shaft was stationary when really it was just seized up. I took out the platter bearing, disassembled it, removed some residue from the shaft, and added some of that valve oil. The platter is spinning freely now! Records are playing at the right pitch at last haha

Thanks to my good 'ol uncle Pete for some over-the-phone tech support.