Rockola 440 write-in dragging

After I make a selection, the write-in arm will sometimes work on its own, sometimes it needs a little "help". Once it reaches the proper spot, everything else is triggered properly and the selected record will play normally.

I've take the motor off and given it a thorough cleaning and lubrication. It works fine under power and not engaged to the write-in gear. I haven't removed the write-in arm from the shaft, but I have lubricated it and it moves fine. That being said, I'm not sure how free this arm should feel when moving it by hand (disconnected from the drive motor). It's not easy, but it also doesn't appear to be binding anywhere. The amount of effort required to turn it seems to be what I'd expect from the number of contacts and the amount of pressure needed to ensure proper electrical contact, at least in my mind.

This is my first endeavor into jukebox repair, so I don't have any prior experience to go by. I find the manual to be very lacking in regard to the actual mechanical operations, so little help there. It seems like a little bit of lubrication where the plastic solenoid housings slide along the wobble plate would be in order, but this isn't reflected in the lubrication chart. Is this a big no-no or is there something I can use for that? Any information is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Nelson

Hi Nelson,
Since I have had zero experience with that system when new, I honestly do not know if the factory "lubricated" the contact area between the drum and frog, or not. I have seen many with "some kind of grease" there, and others that seemed to never have been "lubricated". IMHO, if having this problem, I remove any old "stuff" using a plastic safe solvent, on a rag, then to Teflon coat the area.
Having had lots of experience, with that type motor, I will say that the one used there is "finicky". The type of, or lack of, oil is a MAJOR factor in that type motors performance. That uses a "fly-in type clutch", which if not operating at 100 %, will cause the problem you describe. The particular motor RockOla used there is even more "finicky" then most others of that type I have seen. If it has been dis-assembled, it MUST be re-aligned, PERFECTLY, and the two screws holding the armature bearing, torqued down to specs. Therefore, it is my advice to anyone "never touch those two screws". If the armature shaft appears dirty, I clean it with safety solvent, and blow it dry with compressed air. After getting it as clean as possible, I oil both ends of the armature shaft, fill the"felt pad", and the gears/shafts, with 20 wt. ND oil ONLY. If, at this point the armature shaft fails to "fall (spring loaded) all the way out" with the power off, you have no choice, except to "mess with" the two screws mentioned above,--or find a replacement motor.
Ron Rich

Hi
Although its not recommended the write in arm can be moved fairly easily with a slight bit of resistance, might be a bit of a long shot but maybe the write in relay contacts may need to be cleaned, the write in motors are fairly reliable even if left for a number of years without use, but i suppose the true test will be to use a replacement. Also check and clean plug contact for the write in motor,
regards
Clones

Clones,
You may be "no to something" with this line of thinking--One way to check would be to meter the power going to the motor. If any "contact", in a plug or relay was not good, that motor will have less torque--- Ron Rich

Thank you all for the suggestions!

It looks as though that motor has been tinkered with at some point in it's life, as the 2 screws have different nuts on the end. I looked up a picture of that motor and it looks like the nuts should be the same. It would probably benefit me to be on the lookout for a replacement.

In any case, I went ahead and took ALL of the advice given and cleaned up the relay contacts and the motor plug, as well as the plug going into the credit unit. I had cleaned all the plug connections before, but I had never gone into the credit unit prior to today. All shiny now!
I also cleaned the "tracks" on the selector assembly and the plastic where it makes contact. I didn't have any Teflon, so I sprayed a little silicone lube on a cloth and rubbed it over those same areas.

Something worked, as the write-in zipped right along on the next try, with no hesitation or slow spots. I've run it a half dozen times and it looks great. All my fault as I hadn't really taken the time to fully understand the circuit for that motor and hadn't cleaned that relay. I'm learning and having fun, so it's all good

I really appreciate the help!!
Nelson

Hi Nelson,
Glad you "gotit" ! Funny how memory plays tricks-- I sure do not recall "nuts" holding that motor together --just "screws" __ ? Ron Rich

It has 4 screws that hold the motor in place. The 2 long screws that go all the way through the gearbox and secure the end plate have nuts on them.

Hi,
Thanks for posting that--that is a totally different an-nee-mule then what went thru my feeble mind !
Perhaps they had two (or more) motor suppliers --I know that they did for the other motors--
On that brand motor, the same applies to the armature shaft oil procedure, except, I have never had any problem re-aligning that style. "Oil felts" are "slits", "inside", the "nutted" side--you need to look for them--
Ron Rich