Magnavox Micromatic idler/drive wheel

Hi, I have a Magnavox 1P3724 console, with a slightly earlier Micromatic changer in it (that I changed out a couple years ago). The changer is a model W624/01/01. When I turn the turntable on, the idler wheel assembly doesn't engage and fails to make contact with the platter. I can reach under there, maneuver it into position, and it will play, but doesn't make for a comfortable sitting position while listening to records.

Also, kinda on the same topic...does anybody know what Photofact volume/folder this particular Magnavox model? Chassis number is R22010. My local library has a few hundred volumes of the Photofacts in the reference section.

Thanks everyone in advance!

As has been stated on here many, many,..... MANY times...
Lubrication,... over the DECADES..... tends to dry UP.
Moving parts SEIZE because of it.
Just like in an AUTOMOBILE.

You can d/l a master index from Sams here:

https://www.samswebsite.com/en/photofact/resources

When you lube the turntable use common sense. Keep oil off all rubber parts, use a light machine oil (sewing machine is OK).

If the original oil has turned to molasses or varnish it may need to be heated to get it loose enough to remove the shaft from the bearing, then clean the old oil off before relubing.

I use a large old Weller soldering iron at 325 watts. Whatever you tool you use, keep the heat only in a limited area and use only enough to free things up.

Rob/NYC

I should add that I can move the assembly quite easily (with my forefinger and thumb; I don't need a pair of pliers to move it). While looking at it when I move the switch from Off to On, I can see it move freely. Would either of the two springs attached to the assembly have anything to do with it, such as losing tension? Short of posting a video on here.... If I'm going to get any (further) smart a*@ answers, I'll just deal with it on my own.

stereoplayers wrote:I should add that I can move the assembly quite easily (with my forefinger and thumb; I don't need a pair of pliers to move it). While looking at it when I move the switch from Off to On, I can see it move freely. Would either of the two springs attached to the assembly have anything to do with it, such as losing tension? Short of posting a video on here.... If I'm going to get any (further) smart a*@ answers, I'll just deal with it on my own.

Thanks for the nod,

As been mentioned by Rob-NYC, common sense would be in play here.
I find on so many websites that people mostly ask questions, without even attempting to do a keyword search beforehand.

Why IS that?

In every case, the answers are available from previous postings or in databases on the sites.
It almost seems to me that people are just too lazy to bother looking at this previous information, which would save them typing out yet another redundant question.

Or, maybe, people just don't understand HOW to do a search for information?

The FIRST thing and wise thing is to aquire a Service Manual and understand it, because if you want to play a fix-it-myself-wonder, a lot of these questions would already be answered.

That, is being "smart".

There is a link that pulls the idler away from the drive wheel. It might be binding.

Note that if the assembly is adjusted too low, it drags on the spring.

The fact that you don't feel any spring tension can mean that either the spring has been accidentally stretched, or that it has been hooked up wrong.

Idler/drive wheel problem is fixed. When I removed the assembly the first time, I misaligned two pieces, causing the wheel to not make contact. After close examination, realigned two pieces correctly, and all works like it should. Silly me. Sometimes it is the small things that do make the difference.