1951 Zenith Cobra-Matic Help

I have just restored a 1951 Zentih Radio/Phono unit containing the S-14028 Cobra-Matic (no stroboscope) changer. After having both the large and small idler assemblies re-tired, when putting everything back together, the large idler is about 1/8 of an inch short of making contact with the motor bushing (motor spindle), thus, the platter will not spin. From the pictures uploaded, can anyone tell me what I might be doing wrong re: reassembly? I guess it could be possible that the company that re-tired the large idler did so smaller than the original, but I have worked with the company for years and never had a problem. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Tom

Is the spring that pulls the large idler to the motor disconnected?

Is the power switch off? Some of these lift the idler when shut off.

Have the rubber motor mounts failed?

It's looking more and more like I might have re-installed the motor incorrectly. I do have the motor tension spring, but the way that I have assembled, both ends of the spring are attached to two pieces (the motor mounting plate and the idler assembly) that do not move at all. They can't move because both are secured to the turntable base with screws. The large idler is actually the correct size. Therefore, if anyone has this model and can give me some info on the proper mounting of the motor, I would be appreciative.

MagZenGe02 wrote:It's looking more and more like I might have re-installed the motor incorrectly. I do have the motor tension spring, but the way that I have assembled, both ends of the spring are attached to two pieces (the motor mounting plate and the idler assembly) that do not move at all. They can't move because both are secured to the turntable base with screws. The large idler is actually the correct size. Therefore, if anyone has this model and can give me some info on the proper mounting of the motor, I would be appreciative.

I joined this forum just to answer, hope you see it. There is a straight mark on the base in your photo that shows where the spring goes. The spring goes from the "notch hook on the left vertical side of the idler wheel bracket near the top edge betwen the nut and the round hole" to the "silver hook with the notched tab sticking out on the left side of motor" above it. The motor needs to pull toward the idler wheel, the spring will do that. The motor should disengage when speed lever is "off". Hope you got it working, I just got my grandparent's unit to run today

Thanks for joining, Cobramaster, and hope you stick around for abit. Hopefully, we can pick your brain for some input. This really is a great forum and it's a good feeling when issues can be resolved with a little help from our Cyber friends. I, personally, truly appreciate this board and have learned a lot from the contributors here and I even had to use a few brain cells to try to answer some of the simpler questions.

I like Zeniths...I remember the old commercials..."The Quality Goes In Before the Name Goes On." --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

We own a 1958 or '59 Zenith Stero hi fi with stero speakers in a console unit. Do you know where to look to see how much this is worth, and who maybe would like this unit? It is in good, No, excellent condition. Please help me. Write to: lynnterrystern@yahoo.com. Feel free to spred the word on this one.
Happy Christmas. Hope to hear from you before then. Thanks again.
signed , Terry Stern

Without a model number about $11.00 to $14.00. With a model number and in verified excellent shape, $18.00 to $20.00.