Rock-Ola 448 Slow Turntable

So I restored a Rock-ola 448 and was working very well, now all of a sudden when you first turn it on, it takes about 2 records before it sounds correct, the first 2 sound slow. After a few turns the sound seems to get better. I have cleaned out the turn table mech fairly, is this more of a motor issue, or I am suspecting the tension on the idler wheel or even the rubber on the wheel itself.

Just have not had the time to really look at it but really need to as this one we actually have in our gameroom now and our son plays it all the time with his friends. I have been too busy with other restorations (P-12 & 146 Trashcan). Any suggestions will be welcome.

Thank you,
Ron

Feel free to search & browse the posts concerning sluggish motors, and the treatment for same.
This has been talked about before.

Hi
Did you remove the turntable motor, clean and lubricate it?
clones

Ron,
Quick review of what causes that--
Motor -both top, and bottom bearings need oil--idler wheel needs oil on post ONLY -rubber must be clean !--- Idler "suspension" ( the slide that pulls it to the motor) must be oiled--turntable needs oil on shaft--turntable where it contacts idler must be clean ! AND--all three grommets, must be good and made of white colored material ! If all that's good-- motor bearings are probably shot -- As to oil to use, others may dis-agree, but I use only 20 wt. ND motor oil. Ron Rich

I have cleaned and oiled all appropriate aspects of the motor and armatures but did not even think about the 3 grommets which are all bad. I just ordered a set of replacement grommets and will take care of that next week.

Thank you all for the idea and suggestions as always.

Ron

Take the motor apart and clean the stiff oil/grease from the bearings. 30 minute job. Done.

So I got my new grommets yesterday and installed them, 2 of the 3 original ones were rock hard. I took the entire turntable assembly apart and cleaned everything when I restored this unit months ago and guess I never noticed the grommets were bad. So new grommets are in and turntable speed is back to normal.

Thank you all for helping resolve this.

Ron Valkenburg