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KLH Model Twenty Issue!!!

TheWolf82

TheWolf82

Active Member
Hey guys, I’m having an issue and I wanted to know if anyone could possibly help me! I bought a beautiful model 20. It’s in great shape. It is the FM/a.m. model. It was working perfect for maybe 3 to 4 records worth of listening. Then all the sudden, I start hearing a light Rubbing or grinding noise under the plate. Very low, but enough to hear from across the room. Certainly if you have the music loud enough, it would mask it. It doesn’t affect the quality of the audio. What could it be? I love vintage electronics but unfortunately I’m just getting into it and I’m trying to diagnose the issue. I may just take it to a professional repair shop, however I have tinkered with stuff in the past utilizing the old deoxit tricks So I’m not a complete virgin to this. Anybody can point me into the right direction?
 
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Its an idler drive, so initially I would think any or all idler, motor,spindle bearing may need lubrication.
To access these you need to take the platter off. Probably some retaining clip there to be removed, then yank the platter straight up.
 
Hmm, never worked on one of those. I would think 3in1 electric motor oil (blue bottle not red)would be ok for motor. Maybe sewing machine oil for idler pivot linkages etc. Generally I use white lithium for the parts that need grease.
May want to wait for someone thats done one of these to chime in.
Check the rubber on the idler..spin it against some very fine sandpaper lightly to freshen the edge as long as its still pliable and rubber-like.
 
I’ve removed the platter and even when the idler wheel is not touching the motor spindle, the motor is still making the noise. I think that the motor may be gucked up. I know you said you’ve never worked on these, and I’m sure somebody else will chime in soon enough... Here is a picture. Where would I put the motor oil. I understand just a drop or two, but where would I drop it? LOL
 

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But there are bearings on either end. I would say drop the motor and split it if possible. Then you can take some lighter fluid and clean the bearings and shafts nicely and relubricate.
 
I lubed the motor bearings with sewing machine oil and there was a small hole on the spindle of the motor...I dropped two drops there two. Let the motor run for a few minutes and now it is silent. Seems to be working great now with no noise.
 
The KLH Model Twenty is nice sounding hifi system. It was my first real hifi. Now sitting my basement needing
a recap.
 
Well I lubed up the top of the motor and the spindle coming out of the motor with sewing machine oil. It made the motor silent And was working perfect for 45 minutes or so until the sound came back. I’m not sure what to do. I’m new to this stuff so anybody that can point me in the right direction would be great. Is is necessary to take the motor out, open it up, clean, and lube? Or do I need to just lube somewhere else...I LOVE this system. I could see keeping it forever. If it’s too far out of my realm to repair it, I’ll find a repair shop. But I wouldn’t mind fixing it myself obviously...​
 
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