Why is it squeaking???

Hey everyone,
Just wanted to see if anyone can help-my record player is a Motorola SK13M. Recently it has been starting to make a high-pitched squeal while it is playing. It makes this sound in addition to the sound from the music that it is playing. Is this a problem with the belt? The motor? I have just replaced the stylus and would like to solve this problem as well. The squeal used to be intermittent, but is now more constant while it is playing. If anyone can help I would appreciate it. If it is a belt, can you also suggest a replacement. I assume that this beautiful player is somewhat rare, as I am having trouble finding sites that even list Motorola as a manufacturer of phonographs. Thanks again.
Emily

No worries-I got some guts, took it apart and put some sewing maching oil on the spindle bearing. Now I can just listen to my music.

Good for you!!!

When I come across some strange sounds, I turn the volume down to check for mechanical issues first. If not, oh-oh, go for the audio circuits. I'm glad your problem was easily solved.
Sewing machine oil is good, and sometimes I use Hammond oil since I own a C3 and 122 Leslie. I believe it's a more finer grade and is manufactured to some military specifications. I've used it on occasion and had no problems with it. There are many lubricants, cleaners and solvents out there that will fit the bill, and Record-Changer has mentioned these in past posts. --BB

BobbyBasham
Tucson, Arizona

Thanks. I was also curious of course to see how it all works under there. It looks like it is in great shape-everything is clean and no breaks in the wires. I guess I just lucked out on this baby.
There is only one other problem that I am having trouble pinpointing. Sometimes in the morning when I turn it on it is slow to start and the platter will not spin. It makes a small "revving" noise like the motor is not warmed up. I have to turn the power on and off repeatedly and hit "rej" until it finally catches and starts to spin normally.
Are there other parts that I should lubricate? I noticed on other posts recommendations to lubricate the motor bearings. Would that be underneath the turntable and in the middle by the spindle?
Is there a good website that shows all of the different components?

Lubricate the motor bearings, the idler bearing (but keep oil off the drive surfaces), the idler linkage, and the turntable center bearing.

Use Caig CaiLube RBR to clean the idler surface.

I agree with Larry, especially about the Idler linkage. If the linkage is stiff, the idler wheel is not being pushed against the inside rim of the platter. That's probably why it won't spin and you have to keep turning it on and off to work the wheel closer to the rim. Been there, done that. Remove the platter and see how it acts when you turn it on and off. You'll notice right away if it's not being moved outward. Just my two cents.

Oh...Larry, I'M GLAD YOU'RE STILL HERE WITH YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE!!! I wish I could have been an apprentice under you. God Bless.

BobbyBasham
Tucson, Arizona

I'm new to the site, just wandering around here...

I've solved this with a record changer, a VM if I remember correctly, by cleaning the idler wheel mounting hole and spindle with alcohol. I did that because in the sixties these things were advertised as having self-lubricating parts, so I thought oil might clear things, then gum up.