Pioneer PL-516 Automatic Return issues

[V!nylPioneer]

The automatic return mechanism is acting up—it gets to the end of the album but ends up stuck in the runout instead of returning. Additionally, when I manually move the tonearm beyond the second or third song, it triggers the automatic return on its own. Same goes for 45rpm.

Any advice or tips on troubleshooting and fixing this issue would be greatly appreciated! Has anyone else experienced a similar problem with their turntable, specifically the Pioneer PL-516? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Schanz]

If you have the service manual, it should illustrate how the auto-return functions. Something sounds like it's out of place or gummed up (dried grease) which is probably the case. Your only option is to have someone look at it or do it yourself. That means flipping the TT over on its top which requires a base of some sort to support the table without crushing the tonearm.

From 5.2 of the service manual:

 

[Schanz]

Here are the missing parts 3-9

 

[ngdilin]

Maybe try a simple reset? With the power off, bring the tone arm to the center. Then, turn the platter clockwise until the arm returns fully. After that, if you are lucky, the auto return should work somewhat.

 

[Markoz]

I have a PL-514 that I refurbished, which I think is very similar, other than lacking the speed control of the 516. Looking at both service manuals, they appear to share an auto-return mechanism.

Auto return was erratic on mine, due to a crack in a plastic part called "PU Plate A" in the service manual. This part is shown on page 10 of the 516 service manual as used to adjust the microswitch timing. This switch controls the motor on/off, but any adjustment here requires re-adjusting the auto-return point also. The crack allows the plate to slide around a bit, which means it will never hold adjustment.

I believe these parts have been unavailable for quite some time. Any parts you find are likely also 40+ year old plastic.

I ended up "welding" the cracked plastic with a soldering iron and tiny C-clamp about a year ago. It's a delicate repair, as the tonearm wiring runs through the middle of the part.

My first time working on any TT, but the repair worked! This is my daily table, the fix is still working flawlessly a year later.

I would start by performing the microswitch and auto-return adjustments from the service manual. If you can move the plate without loosening the setscrew, it's cracked. I would not turn the screw to attempt tightening, as that will worsen the crack.

If the rest of the table is in nice shape, it's definitely worth fixing. I can send you the 516 service manual if you want.

 

[sinnerboy]

I have a PL-514 that I refurbished, which I think is very similar, other than lacking the speed control of the 516. Looking at both service manuals, they appear to share an auto-return mechanism.

Auto return was erratic on mine, due to a crack in a plastic part called "PU Plate A" in the service manual. This part is shown on page 10 of the 516 service manual as used to adjust the microswitch timing. This switch controls the motor on/off, but any adjustment here requires re-adjusting the auto-return point also. The crack allows the plate to slide around a bit, which means it will never hold adjustment.

I believe these parts have been unavailable for quite some time. Any parts you find are likely also 40+ year old plastic.

I ended up "welding" the cracked plastic with a soldering iron and tiny C-clamp about a year ago. It's a delicate repair, as the tonearm wiring runs through the middle of the part.

My first time working on any TT, but the repair worked! This is my daily table, the fix is still working flawlessly a year later.

I would start by performing the microswitch and auto-return adjustments from the service manual. If you can move the plate without loosening the setscrew, it's cracked. I would not turn the screw to attempt tightening, as that will worsen the crack.

If the rest of the table is in nice shape, it's definitely worth fixing. I can send you the 516 service manual if you want.

This. Visually inspect the part, many do have the crack that causes all kinds of inconsistent and wonky symptoms. I used superglue on a 518 I restored, I don't expect it to last forever but its holding fine for now. IIRC there is a set screw that, if tighted too much against the shaft, will crack the plastic collar.