Seeburg Q100

I have a Q100 unit. When I last tried to play a record the mechanism started to move but stopped in middle of carriage. Now it won't move. The record player will turn but the mechanism makes several soft clunking noises then syops...meaning the clunking stops. The mechanism seems to be seized to carriage as if something is keeping it from scanning. Any suggestions on the cause?

You have me confuzzed---
Seeburg referred to everything inside the upper cabinet as the "mechanism". It consisted of three major parts--the "base frame", the "record rack", and the "mechanism carriage" ( this is what scans to the record, detents, picks it, and plays it)--many times shortened to "mechanism". You say that the "Record player is turning", I assume that you mean the turntable ? If that's so, what has probably happened is the mechanism carriage detented, but has failed to pick up the record--this could indicate a frozen clutch, or other linkage--and probably is the cause of the "cluncking".
Do you have a service manual, or a copy of my Seeburg Mechanism Guide ?
Ron Rich

UGH! Those models---this problem.

What I have seen repeatedly is a worn clutch member. The description fits the "bucking" scenario. On the Q thru at least LPC models the mech cover weighs a ton, and that, combined with fast scanning and probably lack of lubrication causes rounding of the notches on the clutch such that it doesn't engage and hold while driving the mech.


You -might- get lucky and be able to fix it with oiling, perhaps an adjustment of the four clutch adjustments and possibly some heat applied to the clutch yoke and additional oil there.

Otherwise it's time to remove the and repair/replace the clutch which often also requires removing the record rack (that's how I do it).

Start with a comprehensive oiling. D/L this Lube chart and use a 20wt non-detergent oil:

http://www.fileswap.com/dl/vtINzN2vr0/

Do -not- adjust anything w/out proper instructions.

Rob/NYC


Edit:

Should have read more thoroughly, if the mech is just sitting and spinning, try gently pushing the tonearm towards the center trip-off point near the turntable. If the tonearm moves freely, the mech should trip and resume scanning.

If the arm appears to still be held and/or the turntable clamp is not totally closed (as if there where a record in it) the chances are that the clutch still needs attention -but start with a good lubing.

The mechanism appears to be jammed to base the and will not move. The the turntable rotates as if it is playing a record, -but tone arm will not move. I don't want to force anything. Hope that gives a better description of what is going on. I purchased a service manual for Q100/Q160 unit.

Rob,
I find no need to remove the record rack to change a clutch--- Ron Rich

Updated info....I must have accidently tripped the reversing switch located on front of mechanism tonight. When I turned the machine on the mech traveled to right and "parked". When I flipped the reversing switch again, the mech started moving to left but only traveled halfway accross carriage then appeared to hang up. The left end of mech lifted slightly as it hung up (I can't see anything blocking path of mechanism). When I flipped the reversing switch again the mech "parked" at right side of carriage. Repeating tripping the reversing switch the mechanism always hangs up at same spot on carriage

Hope this gives a clue as to what is going on. Any ideas or anything you want me to try?

Yea--something is hanging up the trailing cable --or there is some "obstruction"in the base frame--
Cable should be clamped to rear of base frame in a semi-circle-- Ron Rich