wurlitzer model 3100

where do i need to start looking if the song selected is not the one played

I would start at the record--is the correct one in the correct slot--if so, next step is the service manual--TSG.
Ron Rich

You have two rings of numbers. Upper and lower. The bottom is the actual record number. Top is what shows in the little cutout as "record Playing.

And--Just FYI--there are two versions of the "upper" numbers-- different version used when the "cut-out " location was changed.
Ron Rich

ok. got svc manual. here is what is happening. select a1 plays l4, select a2 plays a2, a3-l6, a4-a4 etc. on b7 the record carrier stopped and i moved one of the record pickup arms and it started again, but played m0. did the same thing on select c3 played n6 but it stayed stuck for some time and i could not turn the carrier past n6. i know something must be out of alignment just do not know where to start. the manual does not say what to look for unless it plays the wrong selection all the time.

Did you just acquire this phonograph ? Or did you move it, since it last worked well ?
Ron Rich

i got it about a month ago. the lady that sent it to me said that it missed some of the selections, she just could not remember which ones. she did bolt the carrier down for shipment. i talked to a guy in ohio that bought the rights from gibson on the jukebox side and he said something about the claws under the carrier might be stuck and needed cleaning and oiling. he really does not care much about helping. i can't believe that several of them are doing the same thing, but i guess with it being old it is quite possible that no one ever checked or oiled them.

"Claws" ?? It don't gotz no stinkin claws ! He maybe thinking of the back-stops--in which case, he may be half right--they must be clean--but NEVER oiled--leave them dry !
What you need to determine is if it is releasing the correct, or, wrong pin--first--then let us know--
Ron Rich

sorry about the claws could not remember backstops. you mean the pins on the lower unit?

OK--"Claws" for this discussion
Yes, pins on the ES--
Ron Rich

The way the record is located is pretty much mechanical with an electrical assist. In lay terms....when you press a letter and a number, it energizes a solenoid that pops a pin up on that that big round thing under the record carrier. The rotating part I think you are calling the claw rotates around and bumps into the pin. This makes a switch and starts the record loader. If it is TRULY loading the wrong record and you are sure you are looking at the right ring on the record loader, Try this...Before you select a record look at he drum and see if any of the pins are already popped up. Have someone to make a selection and watch to see if only ONE pin pops up and watch as the mechanism rotates around and hits that one pin. Watch for the mechanism to possibly drag at another spot and stop and select a record. There should be 1/16" clearance above the pins as it rotates.

ok. the correct pin does popup on the electric selector. it does run to that pin and stop. the claws that i was talking about are really the backstops on the record carrier. i also checked and the record indicator rings are in the correct positions as per the svc manual.

If it's releasing the correct pin--yep--the "claws" are your problem ! I suggest you use a Plastic safe-safety solvent and clean them. If they are still painted in place, your problem should be solved--if some one has moved them--you will need to re-adjust exactly as shown in the service manual. Ron Rich

ok, thanks Ron. just to confirm. you are talking about the 2 back stop pawls.

Yep--"claws" was your term --
Ron Rich