Seeburg Electra Lubrication

I've had this unit since spring and its worked fine after a thorough lube job.
Its runs a couple times a week for about 1/2 hr. or so.
Its bit slow these days when playing a 45 at startup. So, I usually begin with a 33 and that always plays fine.
Since its kept in the basement and its winter here ,I understand the cold will have something to do with this.
It was last lubricated in the spring.
How often should it be lubed?

Anybody?

The "lube chart says "every 6 months"--but it also says to use "Lubriplate"--Proper oil MUST be used, and the motor should be serviced. Also, which code Autospeed is installed ? Ron Rich

Ron Rich wrote:The "lube chart says "every 6 months"--but it also says to use "Lubriplate"--Proper oil MUST be used, and the motor should be serviced. Also, which code Autospeed is installed ? Ron Rich

I use Supco Zoom Spout mo-98 oil. I follow your Mech Guide oil chart and made sure the motor cups were filled. As a novice and not to mechanically inclined, I can't tear down the motor.
I had the autospeed caps changed but don't know anything about codes.
Whatever adjustments in speeds I've made, its seems correct once it warms.
One 33 1/3 single song selection and all the 45's are usually good to go.

Please read the PM sent to you on the 2nd of Feb--
IMHO, the ONLY oil to use on a Seeburg Mechanism--especially the motor, is 20 wt, ND oil !
You have the typical, "wrong", or "lack of" oil problem. This will require that the old oil, and "gunk" be removed from the motor (at least), and the whole drive train be re-oiled, properly. I do detail how I do this in my "Seeburg Mechanism Guide". If you wish to purchase it, please PM me. Ron Rich

Ron Rich wrote:Please read the PM sent to you on the 2nd of Feb--
IMHO, the ONLY oil to use on a Seeburg Mechanism--especially the motor, is 20 wt, ND oil !
You have the typical, "wrong", or "lack of" oil problem. This will require that the old oil, and "gunk" be removed from the motor (at least), and the whole drive train be re-oiled, properly. I do detail how I do this in my "Seeburg Mechanism Guide". If you wish to purchase it, please PM me. Ron Rich

As I said in my prior post, I already bought your guide. Got a brand name that I can search for the proper oil?

You can use any 20wt non-detergent oil such as "3-in1" or go to any automotive supply store.

The reality is that this slow start is so common with older motors, particularly those in machines using a speed unit, oil alone will only offer a temporary solution -at best.

What happens is that waxy deposits form around the shaft and bearing surfaces over time -especially if the wrong type of oil is used. These deposits displace oil and create a gummy surface. Lack of lubrication can lead to glazed bearing as well. When this is combined with the weaker output of an oscillator (the autospeed) which puts out around 90vac@ approx 83 Hz anything less that optimum bearings on the motor will result in sluggish performance.

You might talk to an auto mechanic engine restorer about having the motor shaft and bearings de-gazed (called: honing) otherwise using the proper oil and your current method of playing a 33 first is probably best.

Rob/NYC

Thanks for your purchase!--I missed that on the earlier post--but I have a question--
Why don't you read it--I explain what I do , and give a name of an oil you can use in the guide ??
As for Rob's point above--I de-glaze the motor shaft using "crocus cloth". I also do the same to the clutch shaft, upon any rebuilds, of the mechanism.
Ron Rich