Phonoland

My father has a Silvertone model 4087 that he inherited from his grandfather. The radio works but the phonograph does not operate. My dad tells me that his grandfather was an electrician and tried to get the phonograph operational but it has not worked for the past 30 years. I was wondering what may be some reasons the phonograph does not work.

Any insight would be appreciated. I'd love to be able to use this unit again.

Thanks.

You have asked an "un-answerable" question--sorta like saying you can not drive your car--
Do you have the keys to it--is the battery good--is the starter good--is the engine, or a wheel missing--on, and on--
If you have the needed mechanical/electronic skills, and tools, purchase a service manual, and go for it--
If not, find a local person that knows what to do--since you posted your location as USA, I doubt anyone can direct you to such a person. Ron Rich

The 4087 is a higher-end tube-powered model from 1962.
Being over 50 years old, it's now due for restoration, both electronically, and mechanically, in order to provide reliabile and safe service.

As I've mentioned on other threads here, it's a mandatory thing to have it serviced. (since it probably was never done recently)
Otherwise, the tubes, etc, will cook, resulting in higher-cost failures than needed.
Of course the record changer by now has dried-up lubricants that need to be flushed/removed, and re-lubricated properly.
The rubber components (motor mounts, idler wheel) are most likely dryrotted and need replacing.
The cartridge/needle would need replacing as well.

Overall, you're looking at around $300 to get it up to par, if no tubes are weak, and much more if a power transformer or output transformer(s) blows due to faulty dried-up capacitors.
Unplug it, stop trying to use it, and safe the added grief of a real expensive restoration.

I know my request was vague and on the verge of ignorant. But, I figured I would throw it out there and see what responses I would get.

I just created this account to get some information and did not update any of my profile information. So, if it helps, I am from the Columbus area if anyone knows of credible restoration shops.

Thank you for the replies Ron and Matt. I'll be sure to unplug it to spare extra damage until I have it restored.