Phonoland

So I just got my grandparents old silvertone restored. It is a model 5085/5086 console with turntable. After an almost full rebuild of power supply, re-capped, and complete idle wheel rebuild it sounds great and for the most part seems to function as it should. But... it stops short of almost all records and wants to begin the change cycle... It seems to do this with any single sized records(mainly 45s but still does it with some of the smaller 33s that are out now) but will also do it on many of the full length. If there is a way to just turn off the changer function all together I think it would help or solve that part of the issue, but I can not find any switch or lever that seems to have that ability. Plus ideally I would like to have this working too. I would think there would be some sort of adjustment that could affect where the arm starts and stops for changing but I can't seem to find anything that does. Also, even if playing a full size 33 it will just hit the end and start again about half way through, as if it was changing 45s...

This is actually the first time I've ever bothered to post anything on a forum, so looking forward to all the free expert advice... =)
Thank you in advance

Hi "Blue"

I edited your title.

Someone should be by shortly to help. Unfortunately, my expertise is in the wind-up models, but we have plenty of members who are knowledgeable about 1960s era changers, etc. I'm pretty sure that there's an adjustment that can be made. It might involve pulling the changer, and turning a set screw underneath, but I'll leave that to the experts to offer advice.

In the meantime, if you can, post a few detailed photos of the changer. (SEE: viewtopic.php?f=19&t=3226 )

JDS

Thank you Joe

Those Crescent changers usually require a thorough teardown and overhaul after decades of neglect.
A simple idler wheel replacement is doing only 1/5 of the job.

Think of putting a new set of tires on a neglected 40 year old car, and ignoring the other stuff.

Sorry, to clarify it was much more than a simple wheel refinish, but I don't know much more detail than the power section, caps, etc other than that. I just used the parts sheet and diagrams to try and identify the trip mechanisms. All the parts and components that I am able to see are clean(no old grease etc) and seem to be moving freely and correctly. But I still can't find anything that would adjust where the tone arm trips it.

Also, it sounds like most of you are already familiar with this model, but here are a few pictures in case they help anyone. Thanks again, and I've already learned something at least.


(Photo URLs edited by Joe_DS so it would display properly.)

Pictures alone are no help.
Even I, an experienced restoration tech, cannot determine what's the issue by photos - it's impossible - it's GOT to be on my bench at the shop.
Whoever did the putzing with the changer obviously didn't perform all the proper testing and adjustment required.
You'll also get numerous "it could be this or thats" from websites - alas, more unexperienced tinkers surmizing what the issue is.... and that goes on endlessly.
Take it to someone who is a reputable tech, one that knows the proper way to service record changers, because there are too many putzers claiming the title out there that have no clue as to what they're doing.

If the changer is tripping early (before the record finishes) something has happened to the turntable hub or the trip parts on the cycle wheel.

It's possible that the turntable center bearing was replaced when it was restored, and the new one is the wrong thickness. This changes the height of the projections on the hub. Possibly washers were omitted, or substituted, or extra ones were added.

Hopefully this will be seen. Just found one of these for sale in my area for $50 and it seems to be in great condition. Not sure about the working order, but basically wanted to find out if this would be a good investment as is. Its the exact same model. I would really appreciate any response on this matter. Thanks.

A bit more on the causes of early tripping of the change cycle on the Silvertone changer:

- The turntable bearing has been replaced with a thicker one, or extra washers were added to it.

- The trip parts on the cycle wheel were removed by someone and reassembled wrong.

- Someone lubricated the trip parts. They must be clean and dry to work properly.

- The trip parts have foreign matter on them.

- One of the trip wires or trip parts on the cycle wheel is bent.

- The projection on one side of the turntable hub has been broken off.