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Pioneer PL-7 Service Manual

VinylRescue

VinylRescue

Member
I've searched Google and can't find a service manual that doesn't come with a price tag. I just won mine on Goodwill's auction website and I'm looking to refurb it as a project for a second turntable. It's needs lots of cleaning and I want to open it open and inspect it and replace the old RCA cable. I got the owners manual from vinylengine, but need some help with breaking it down as it doesn't appear to have the obvious screws to open it up with. I would greatly appreciate and help - thanks!
 
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Hmm, just removed the feet and it started coming apart. Tricky getting the tone arm undone so the plinth can be removed. Let the fun begin!
 
VinylRescue said:
I've searched Google and can't find a service manual that doesn't come with a price tag. I just won mine on Goodwill's auction website and I'm looking to refurb it as a project for a second turntable. It's needs lots of cleaning and I want to open it open and inspect it and replace the old RCA cable. I got the owners manual from vinylengine, but need some help with breaking it down as it doesn't appear to have the obvious screws to open it up with. I would greatly appreciate and help - thanks!
Click to expand...

See this previous thread:
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/pioneer-pl-7-disassembly-manual.693517/#post-9269462

PM "beej". :music:
 
VinylRescue said:
Hmm, just removed the feet and it started coming apart. Tricky getting the tone arm undone so the plinth can be removed. Let the fun begin!
Click to expand...

There are 2 plugs inside that need to be disconnected. You also need to remove the counterweight and the stub it attaches to. Once you do those 4 things the top comes off easily. Try not to mix up the feet. The springs for the 4 corners have different rates and should go in their original positions so that the suspension is set properly and the platter sits level.

John
 
I got it broke down last night with no problems. Just had to study it and be patient. Got the bottom portion cleaned and next to tackle the dust bunnies underneath the front front control buttons. Top of plinth is covered in a film of old dust, which should be easy to clean up. Tone arm assembly is a bit dirty so Q-tips will be helpful. Going to solder in a better RCA cable to the small PCB where the tone arm wiring connects. I've got a spare AT120e cartridge align up later when it's all done. This TT so far is in good shape and look forward to my first listen.
 
I contacted Beej and he sent me his version, which is very helpful. I got the RCA cable replaced and it sounds great, but it does have the speed fluctuation problem so I now have some electrical cleaner to fix it. Here's my video on the refurb:
 
Speed fluctuation problem fixed with electrical contact cleaner on the internal speed switch! Did some other clean up on the other moving parts and applied some Vaseline. Initially when I reassembled it was stuck in play and return mode after the tone arm dropped. Undid the start lever and it starts when I move it to the beginning, and it returns when complete. Played some Foghat and it sounded great!
 
Vaseline may be too thick to lube the internal mechanism. I know you said it works now, but it may gum up - only the thinnest of coatings of light lube is needed on the cams and lever contact points. Glad you got it working, these are very nice turntables that perform far above their modest appearance.
 
I thought about that, but the grease I cleaned away looked like regular auto grease. I did apply a thin coat so as not to gum up anything. I'll look for something better and redo it when I have time. Thanks.
 
VinylRescue said:
I thought about that, but the grease I cleaned away looked like regular auto grease. I did apply a thin coat so as not to gum up anything. I'll look for something better and redo it when I have time. Thanks.
Click to expand...

The "something better" would be white lithium grease.

John
 
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