Hitachi HT-L70 - Tonearm does not drop

[ignatiusJ]

Hi Everyone,

I have recently bought a Hitachi HT-L70. I used it without issues until the belt broke. I replaced it and cleaned the rail that guides the tonearm by removing it and cleaning it with alcohol. Unfortunately, now the tonearm won't drop; it actually works while the lid is face-down (that is, the stylus is facing up) but when fully assembled and placed on its feet the motor will start but the tonearm does not move. Any clues on what might be wrong? I guess something must be not in place but I have no idea what it might be.

Thanks!

 

[ignatiusJ]

Anyone?

 

[ignatiusJ]

Hi. The problem seems to be related to the arm movement. If I hold the shaft that engages the gearing steady, the arm moves correctly. However, without help, the shaft moves backwards and the gear does not move. A stronger spring might fix the issue but it seems odd because it used to work fine before changing the belt. Any ideas?
I have a video but it looks like they are not accepted; attaching a picture instead.

Thanks

 

[revox-b77]

Are you sure you have the correct belt?

 

[ignatiusJ]

Hi revox-b77,

Thanks for your reply! Fortunately, I was able to fix the problem right after I posted my last message. I had disassembled the tonearm's metal guide for cleaning when it started failing; yesterday I disassembled it again just to check that everything was okay, and then it started working again. Something must have been wrong the first time.

The TT is now working as expected and I have to say that I am quite happy with it. I put it next to my Technics SL-10 - original and copycat together! The Technics is in a different league because of its build quality, but the Hitachi is great too. Not sure why it doesn't get enough credit.
Maybe I can post a comparison in the future.

Thanks again!