1957 Seeburg L100 - Picks Up Records But Doesn't Play Them

I was hoping someone could help me with a problem with my Seeburg L100. The carriage picks up selected records, but does not play them. Instead, it returns the record to its slot and moves to the next selection, where again, it will pick it up, then put it back in its slot.

According to the troubleshooting manual, this is due to the Clutch No. 4 adjustment being set too far in. OK, but when I go into the Service Manual, the location of Clutch No. 4 does not seem to be accessible (it seems to be in the rear of the carriage).

So, first of all, does this indeed sound like a problem with Clutch No. 4? Or perhaps there is a simpler solution to try first?

Second, if I do need to adjust Clutch No. 4, is this something that is outside of a layman's expertise? I'm fairly handy/mechanical, if I was given a proper step-by-step guide.

Can anyone offer to help guide me through the process? Or at least offer some sage advice?

Cheers,
Kizzy

Another possibility is the trip mechanism to detect the end of the record.

One way to determine what is wrong is to observe the behavior of the tonearm.

- If the tonearm sets on the record, then immediately lifts off again, the trouble is in either the trip mechanism or the part that stops the tonearm drive when the arm sets down.

- If the tonearm doesn't move into place on the record, then the tonearm drive is not being activated once the record is in place.

Thanks for your reply. That's exactly what happens. The carriage picks up the record, the tone arm sets on the record for a split second, then lifts off the record, and then the record is returned to its slot. This happens the same for both odd and even numbered selections.

If it is the trip mechanism, as you suggest, is that a simple adjustment? Where is it located? I will look in the Service Manual to see what I can find out about it.

You also noted it might be "the part that stops the tonearm drive when the arm sets down". Does that part have a name?

Thanks for helping! I'm hoping to get my L100 back in service. It always worked fine until a few months ago when this problem started.

I had the same problem. I cleared it up by cleaning all the contacts with alcohol.

mike

Kizzyman;

Another possibility is gummed-up lubricationever. Check my website:

http://home.pacbell.net/fmillera/troubleshoot.htm

It's covered under symptom #2

Cheers,

Tony Miller