Too long to warm up.

I noticed lately that my Artist Of The Week 1961 Seeburg AY160 jukebox is not attempting to select a record till after it warms up for half an hour or more. Here is the details-------I turn it on by the switch in the back. I always (in the past) let it warm up for one or two minutes. I make a choice of a record by pushing a letter then a number. In the past the selector/carriage would work right away. Now the selector/carriage does not move. If I continue to select records (5) then by the 5th choice it will move about two inches by the 6th time the selector/ carriage will move and play all the recordings I chose and continue to work/play fine. On the other hand, as I said, If I turn it on and "do not" select any record but just let it sit and warm up for a half hour or so It will work on the first selection and continue to work/play fine. This situation concerns me as I am thinking it may get to a point where no matter how many selections I make or how long I let it worm up the Selector/carriage will just not move. I am thinking to nip a more serious future problem before it gets worse.

Some history----------I have owned the machine from 1980 and the selector and amplifier were rebuilt once. The 331/3--45 RPM auto controller was replaced (used) by a solid state unit from a 1962 Seeburg. The old one (tube type) went bad awhile back but the machine always worked on the 45's and 33's fine without delay.

Any ideas??

Tom

Hi Tom,
If you tell me the model number, I may have a better answer ("AY-160" is a series number, not the model of your phono).
As it stands, it appears that the scan start is somehow "messing up"-- Ron Rich

Ron Rich wrote:Hi Tom,
If you tell me the model number, I may have a better answer ("AY-160" is a series number, not the model of your phono).
As it stands, it appears that the scan start is somehow "messing up"-- Ron Rich

Hi Ron, the plate on the back reads-------Model----- AY160 SHR2-----I guess the SHR2 is what you need? It has been steadily getting worse. Let me know if you need more information. I have a set of tubes to change out the selector and amp. FYI but I have not tried anything at all.

Tom Greer

Hi Tom,
OK--remove the SPU and remove it's cover. Look at the contacts that are actuated when the coil is energized--check them for "pits" and proper contact gap/adjustment. If good, replace the SPU, and remove the "skin" from the rear door--find the scan control assembly, check that the .01/1400 cap is well connected to the contact points, and that they are not pitted, and making good contact when the start coil is energized--the ratchet assembly is "holding" the contacts closed --do the above with the power OFF--then turn it on--have someone make a selection while you watch the scan control assembly. You should see "whatz happening", or not,, at this point--
Ron Rich

OK Ron, will do what you recommend. I will let you know how I make out. I am glad I checked in here first. I was thinking it was vacuum tube related or moisture in "whatever" because letting it warm up (heat) seemed to fix it till the next time it was turned on. I have it sitting on a hardwood floor in my centrally heated recreation room. I did not want you to think in was in a basement or anyplace like that. We play it a lot.

Thank you very much.

Tom Greer

Just had a thought--
While you have the SPU out, look at the coil stop--it should have a brass center--if missing or broken, these can lodge in the coil sleeve and cause the plunger not to be able to travel the full distance--which will cause the problem you describe--If you see bass, you will need to remove that back-stop and check inside the coil--re-adjustment should not be necessary, unless someone has messed with the two front screws--If the brass is missing--it will need to be replaced ! Ron Rich

Hi Ron and all who are following my post. It's been two months since I first mentioned the "too long to warm up" problem my Seeburg is experiencing. Due to family (unexpected) illness I have not had time to open the machine up and try Ron's advice. I did not want all to think I was not getting back here to report any success or failure. I'll let all know (for sure) what works or not but it may be awhile till I have time.