1965 Rowe AMI JAN-200 Questions

Greetings group,
I just acquired a 1965 JAN-200 Rowe AMI juke box that was in storage for some time. It works intermittently (go figure!), but seems to have only two real problems.
the first problem is when I select a record, the mechanism seems to be off by 1 slot. either that, or I'm reading the markings on the carousel incorrectly, but I don't think so. Could the belt have slipped, or is it more complicated than that?
Second, and more annoying problem, is that until the unit "warms up", it will make a selection, put the record on the platter, move the tone arm on to the record, but then instead of playing it, it automatically rejects it and puts it back and moves on to the next selection. It won't actually play a record until I've gone through the annoying selection process 8 to 10 times, and then it begins to behave itself and play the records. Probably something sticking or not adjusted properly, but I just don't know where to look.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks,

A service manual is where to look--
(if you don't know where to look for a manual--check "announcements---" above)
Check operation of the gripper motor clutch--oil would probably help.Ron Rich

Noah, you really should not be running a machine that has been in storage for a long time without first cleaning and lubing the mech and at least testing for proper voltages and any leakage in the amp's capacitors. Rowe used good components here, but that machine is now 47 years old.

Regarding the offset selection: Remove the search unit, manually advance the basket to selection "A-1" -make sure it is detented (locked) and check that "200" mark on the stopping switch gear is in line with the "step" notch on the bracket that the search unit was bolted to.

if it is, then while keeping the search unit off the mech but connected, make a selection. There are markings on it for the record slots that the pins represent. If the correct one punches (try several times)and they are always correct the unit is probably OK. If it is off that indicates misalignment of the unit and will require consulting a service manual for the procedure. It isn't complicated, but does require precise instruction.

As for the problem of rejecting the record, that is a classic example of a bone dry changer motor which is overtravelling. The armature is supposed to pop back as soon as current stops. If the motor is dry it may not always move back in time to stop the motor and it will coast into the reject mode.

ALL motors and gears should be lubed with a 20wt oil. you will have to remove the mech to adequately lube the basket motor.

Again, the most pressing thing is the condition of the amp. Leaky and shorted caps and tubes (the 7868's) can damage it. Unplug it while you deal with the mechanical problems

Rob/NYC

Thanks Rob,
I do have the tube amp and preamp/control amp removed and have recapped it and changed a couple of bias resistors that have drifted in value. I have the phono cartridge jacks plugged into a separate amplifier and speakers to be able to listen to it while I work on the mechanicals. I'm not doing further damage to the amplifier electronics, but the intermittent automatic rejecting is a pain, because it only happens about half the time. I have only lubricated the few spots that the service manual says to. some places with oil, and others with light grease. Which motor are you refering to when you say 'Changer" motor?
There is a Transfer motor, a Magazine motor, and a Search unit motor.
I'm thinking the Transfer motor is what you are refering to, but I'd like to be sure. The service manual and schematic also shows a .047mfd capacitor, 15 ohm resistor and a diode labeled simply D1, with no description of what type diode or Peak Inverse Voltage rating, etc. but I assume this makes up some kind of time constant for slowing or stopping the transfer motor, so it is also possible that the values for the cap, resistor, or the diode could be a problem, but I would think the problem would be 100% of the time if the diode were no good. I'd like to take apart as little as possible as the unit is definitely 'trying' to work and I don't want to cause more harm than good by taking things apart if they can be cleaned and lubed while mostly staying together. Thanks for the suggestions.
Noah

Noah,
Putting "words into Rob's mouth--" "Changer, Transfer, Gripper" motor--all the same ( on that phono).
I don't think the diode,cap, resistor serves that function, as it is an AC motor, with a clutch, that (should--if oiled) "fly out, instantly" upon removal of power. I suspect that it is dry, and "coasting" prior to "flying out"--- But, I do not have a schematic to look at either---
Ron Rich

Noah, that that resistor would be either good, or bad and the .047 is just noise/arc suppression. The motors do not slow down.

There is a diode under the small plate with a relay on the mech base which can cause the unit to -not- trip or be erratic in tripping, but I doubt that is the issue here. This looks to be a simple lube job.

If you have an approx 28 volt bulb you can connect it across the changer motor terminals and see if the power goes off as it should but the motor keeps turning.

The changer motor is the transfer motor.

The service manuals are deficient when it comes to oiling instructions. ALL bearings, gears and shafts in the geared motors need to be oiled, turntable motor too.. Unfortunately, I have had units that had been run dry for too long and/or subjected to the wrong type of oil and in these rare cases oiling that transfer motor armature shaft may not be a long lasting solution. The shaft will have been glazed and the motor will need to be replaced or rebuilt.

The original company Multi products is still in business and will rebuild these units: http://www.multiproducts.com/

The motor in the search unit must be carefully lubed to avoid getting the oil on the belt pulleys (if you have a belt driven unit). While in there try cleaning the circuit traces on the boards that the chase wipers move on. Alcohol is fine, contact cleaner is good to but don't spray it -just dribble it into a piece of tissue paper and apply it by hand.

Also, in the search unit, take a look at the relay contacts in there, check for pitting and proper over travel (wiping action) but don't adjust anything w/out instructions. The search unit is really the one part of the machine that requires precise set-up.

If you are using the pickup with an external amplifier remember that the cart is wired out of phase so you'll need to reverse the wires on one speaker of your stereo for proper reproduction.

Rob/NYC