First time turntable repair: Fisher MC-723

[Samkl1053]

I've recently decided to take the plunge and buy a piece of vintage stereo equipment. I picked up a Fisher MC-723 Audio Component System from my local Goodwill for $7, not in working condition:

Fisher MC-723

• Samkl1053
• Feb 6, 2017
• 1985 dolby noise reduction fisher tape deck tuner turntable

Audio system from 1985 with AM/FM tuner, tape deck with Dolby B Noise Reduction and high speed...

Turns out, most of the system works fine. The buttons are a bit loose, the hinges on the tape deck could do with some grease and I should definitely remove the cat hair from around the play heads, but apart from that the only non-functioning part is the turntable.
The belt for the drive mechanism is completely missing. I checked the inside of the system to make sure it hadn't slipped off or broken, but it's just vanished. I'm ordering a replacement later today, but apart from that, I need an outside opinion on one of the other parts:

Broken(?) part

• Samkl1053
• Feb 6, 2017

Unsure if this part is broken, or just oddly shaped.

This part here, which I don't know the official name of, that connects to the lever that switches between 33 and 45 RPM. It looks broken. There are a few edges on it that don't look like they're supposed to be there, and if I run a rubber band between the spindle and the motor bearing, it rubs directly against one of the slanted edges.
So the questions I have now are:

• What is that part called?
• Is it broken?
• If so, where can I get a new one?

I can provide more, higher resolution pictures if necessary.

 

[elnaldo]

I don't think you'll find a replacement part. I'd spend some time looking for pictures or a manual with the parts detailed. I guess it's a "C" shape that moves the belt up and down. You'll need to DIY the part, using epoxy glue, or epoxy putty , or even carving a plastic piece and glue it in place. Perhaps a metal "c" covered with epoxy. ..

 

[Samkl1053]

I guess it's a "C" shape that moves the belt up and down. You'll need to DIY the part, using epoxy glue, or epoxy putty , or even carving a plastic piece and glue it in place. Perhaps a metal "c" covered with epoxy. ..

That was my first thought as well until I put the rubber band on. There's clearly a wheel or some similar part for the belt to rub against that's also missing. When I stretch a band between the spindle and the bearing, it rubs against that part at an angle that I'd bet would damage the belt over time.
http://imgur.com/mNVuGZW
The band can't be placed any lower without getting in the way of the automatic return mechanism for the tone arm.
http://imgur.com/pF7K4xM

 

[redk9258]

The belt will wrap around the platter, not the spindle. Right? Then it shouldn't rub on anything.

 

[elnaldo]

Also, a flat belt will auto-center on that brass pulley- But, as stated, the belt goes to the platter, much wider angle.

To measure the size, I tie a cord around the platter, the belt should be of that size, not much larger, to have the proper tension (in my 1st pict, the belt is a bit large, but it was the closer standard size I've found). Or, if the belt is too small, it will force the motor.

 

[Samkl1053]

Good god, you're right, I have no idea why I thought belts worked that way. Thanks for the heads up.
Managed to find a replacement belt for this exact machine online, will update this post once it arrives.

 

[Samkl1053]

Update: Replacement belt arrived, it fits perfectly in the configuration you gave and the part I thought was broken/missing changes the speed just fine. Sound quality is better than I was expecting; overall the turntable is functioning flawlessly. The tape deck is another story.
Side B makes a loud rhythmic ticking noise when running; I took most of the system apart and couldn't find the source, it seems like it's coming from pretty deep inside the drive system. Tapes still play, but are noticeably muffled. I don't really need both sides to be working at present, so I'll avoid opening it up unless I'm already in there to fix side A.
Side A runs quietly, and the sound is clear and loud, but the tape slows down within about five seconds of pressing play, and fast forward/rewind are slow and jumpy. Weirdly enough, the playback speed picks back up to normal if you hold the pause button down very slightly. I can't see inside the deck to confirm, but it seems like the roller is squeezing the tape too tightly, and that the pause button has a "sweet spot" where it lifts the roller just enough to remove that extra resistance. Hopefully there's a way to adjust that roller without opening the whole thing up; the tape mechanism is by far the hardest-to-reach component of the whole system, so that would not be a fun repair.

 

[puns4all]

Just picked one of these up myself. Where did you find the replacement belts? And how did you take it apart?

 

[lklunder]

Hello !!, I have too this Fischer MC 723 vintage stereo equipment and it have some troubles, somoboby have the Service Manual to share me ???....Thanks in advance.