Rockola 448 Gripper Question

Hello: I have a Rock-Ola 448 purchased in 1983. It has given me excellent plays the past 26 years. Recently I have been having gripper problems. It works perfect when putting a record on the table. When it comes time to remove the record, the gripper lifts a bit so it can not grip the record and then goes through the motions of putting "nothing" back in the carousel. Is this just a cleaning issue or adjustment issue? Thanks for any help and direction you can give me.
John
WI

John,
Just an oil issue. Use only a SAE 20 wt ND oil on ALL the parts that move in the gripper assemb.--especially be sure to work the oil in on the side, down in between the two gears, that operate the gripper arm. It will take a few minutes for the oil to "soak in". During this time, play some selections and GENTLY hold down, with your finger on the "tip" of the gripper arm, as it goes to pick up the record--both sides--and it will work in faster-- Once it's working well, re-oil it and play at least 100 selections, without stopping--then oil it again ! Ron Rich

Thanks so much Ron. Alan told me you would be the guy with all the Rockola answers. Oh, 20 wt ND...does ND mean non-dino? I have some 20 wt motor oil here. I also have some Holden's Zoom Spout oil here that I have seen mentioned on this board. I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. I will follow your advise.
Thanks
John
WI

ND is "non-detergent" ("3inOne" makes some--don't use their "Household/Multipurpose" oil)--I do not use any "zoom spout" oil--others do--Ron Rich

Great and thank you Ron!!!

Hi Ron...when you are correct you are correct. The 20wt oil fixed the gripper hang-up. The machine works great and I can not believe it was such an easy fix...especially when there is someone who knows these units. Can I use the 20wt on the gears too?
Thanks again.
John
WI

Yes--It won't hurt the gears---Ron Rich