Dual 1218 - How deep should I go servicing it?

[mickeymug]

Hi all, I'm very new to vinyl and recently my dad gave me my grandfathers old Dual 1218 and I've managed to get it working again with much less pain than expected. All it took was replacing the 240v plug and unsticking and lubricating the motor.
I've read so much about all the lubricants/grease in these old Duals seizing up but from what I can tell, this table seems to work fine. I can play a record start to end, the automatic arm works well and I'm very happy with the sound that comes out of it. Dad reckons the last time this turntable played anything was the early 90's so I'm quite surprised it came back to life so easily.

This leads me to a few questions:

1. Even though it works, should I proactively grease and lubricate it as per the service manual or is there more risk than reward here?
2. Having read about the steuerpimpel degrading over time I bought some new ones, is this worth proactively installing a new one?
3. Is it worth replacing the needle (or even cartridge) after all these years (attached image)? I noticed it runs very close to the record, this could be normal but not sure.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bicyclist]

Once working, activity helps more than anything, but there are pivot points that will cause trouble. I had a 1228 which was similar to yours except with a strobe. It was an excellent deck.

 

[mfenberg]

I have a 1218 that I pretty much disassembled months ago and still haven't put it back together! I'm fortunate that I took pictures of everything to guide me with assembly! Did the same with my 1219 and it's working great! Here's my advice... if it's currently working with no issues, just enjoy it for a while, keeping in mind that a full service MIGHT be in the near future. As for the steuerpimpel, what shape is it currently in? Any issues with the tonearm not returning properly? Again, if it's currently working, I'd still have a spare ready to go for when it does require replacing. Both the 1218 and 1219 are great turntables when properly serviced! Oh, and what condition is the idler wheel?

 

[Iansaudio]

Don't touch it. Just give it "playing time", and replace the stuerpimpel if needed.

 

[Work2do]

I mostly agree with the sentiments of all above. If it's working well just give it regular exercise ! If you didn't already service the motor I would recommend that, otherwise I might service the platter bearing. I have refurbished several Dual's of this vintage and they are my least favorite among all record changers to work on. They're not necessarily difficult, just every little adjustment has to be just so to operate correctly. When the start mechanism gets stiff is the only time I will disassemble them. The ones I've seen that have been stored in an ideal environment don't need much servicing. By that I mean a unit protected from dust, humidity and temperature extremes. The ones that sit in an attic where it gets very cold and very hot over years seem to need everything, whereas the one in a box in the closet at room temp are usually alright. When I do service them, I follow the guides for general adjustments, motor service guides and use lubricants like Alvania, Renotac (chain saw bar lube/sub), etc.

 

[Work2do]

Is it worth replacing the needle (or even cartridge) after all these years (attached image)? I noticed it runs very close to the record, this could be normal but not sure.

It would be nice to find an original Shure stylus, unfortunately they are pricey if you can find any NOS. The cart is a keeper, so do some research on what replacement styli is currently available.

Welcome to AK !

 

[Iansaudio]

I always part out Duals unless it’s a spectacular old example, most ones I come across are the plasticky ones. While Duals are a PITA to work on, they are by far my favourite consumer record changer. They are pretty much impossible to kill, and the tonearms are always amazing.
The only record changer I’d choose over a dual might be a Thorens 224 or Miracord, but they are as rare as hen’s teeth.

 

[Work2do]

The only record changer I’d choose over a dual might be a Thorens 224 or Miracord,

Yes, a favorite of mine too. However, I just recently finished putting an Elac Miracord 10 together and it's my favorite now. Very well manufactured without all the adjustments a Dual often requires. I'm always on the lookout for the next best thing, always at price point that requires I repair it !

 

[mfenberg]

Here's an excellent website showing how to do a very good restoration of the 1218... HERE

 

[sound hound]

Is it worth replacing the needle (or even cartridge) after all these years (attached image)? I noticed it runs very close to the record, this could be normal but not sure.

I you have a magnifying glass, you could look at the needle part to see if it is bent. It could be that the suspension has lost elasticity. There is thread in AK about suspension problems that you might check out. Maybe more important is to evaluate the amount of wear on the stylus, to protect your records from damage.

 

[Thorsten R.]

To your questions:

1) Yes.
2) Yes.
3) Yes, needle.

It is a more than 50 years old mechanical device. Of course it needs a proper cleaning and lubricating. Motor, platter bearing, all of it. It is not rocket science (easy to say for me, I have learned the job back then when these machines were sold). It is doable. At VinylEngine you can get first class tutorials from Dualcan and others. And here are knowledgeable people who can give you guidance also.