I just did a spin test on my TD-160 and I only get about 20 seconds. So I assume I need to oil the spindle.
What oil should I use and how much. I can access it from the top without disassembly. Thanks!
I just did a spin test on my TD-160 and I only get about 20 seconds. So I assume I need to oil the spindle.
What oil should I use and how much. I can access it from the top without disassembly. Thanks!
20 seconds from 33 to stop is quite bad.
Carefully lift out the inner platter. Inspect. It's the oil tacky? Clean out the old oil with isopropyl and a lint free cotton. It's the thrust plate on the bottom ok?
Joel has a kit for polishing the bearing well, he also sells oil.
I use Joel's stuff, which probably cost more, as opposed to common household products. I don't take chances on the bearing.
I have read huge debates on thie subject of oil for Thorens. The bearing well is sintered bronze, some oils are not correct to use. Sewing machine oils seems light to me. Do some research using the search function here and at vinyl engine.
After clean out, polish, and fresh oil my platter spins for four minutes. It is quiet. That is what you want.
Good luck, Bob
43 years is how long I've owned MY thorens.
When I took it new out of the Packagings it would 'spooldown' for 20/ 25 secs after the left knob was turned off (never ever used 45 rpms).
It still does that time.
Now you guys claim it's inadequate. ReallY?
Mebe just mebe the spindle is Sooo worn from use or ill advised 'polishings' that the tolerances are now sloppy.
A more interesting test is to 'time' how long it takes the spindle shaft to seat after a fresh wipe and oil change.
Mine is at close to a Half hour
For years the Cuing arm drop down was glacial as well.
Was repeatedly told it was a 'feature'.
Hah! it was lube deteriorated into glue.. in actual fact
But Hey! whatever makes yer day: _0
43 years is how long I've owned MY thorens.
When I took it new out of the Packagings it would 'spooldown' for 20/ 25 secs after the left knob was turned off (never ever used 45 rpms).
It still does that time.
I've long been leery of the notion of polishing that bearing. Its a porous bronze bushing, meant to have some voids to hold oil. Polishing it might reduce running friction but it will also seal up those pores and lead to worse lubrication over time. If the spindle had cross-hatches in it at the right angle to "lift" the oil, it might work out but from memory I do not think they have this. Besides all that, if you aren't extremely careful the bearing ends up hogged out and then what do you have? Polishing metal removes material, no question about it. remove too much and the tolerances open up, and then you have a sloppy bearing assembly. The "sink down" time would indicate how tight the fit is between the spindle and the bearing. The longer it is, the tighter the fit. It will vary somewhat depending on the oil you're using but if it drops right in there like the proverbial hot dog in a hallway, its slapped out.
If you're getting 20 seconds spool-down with the belt on, its great. If its 20 seconds with the belt OFF, then you've got a hell of a lot of drag going on.