Sansui sr-838 running too slow

[dgraf80]

Hi there, i'm looking for help with my newly aquired (it was inherited) Sansui turntable.

It is in fantastic condition without a single scratch on the body. However, when i tried to turn it on, i found that i runs way too slow. If i switch from 33 to 45 it does increase speed. When playing a 33 record i need to switch it to 45 for it to sound kind of normal but even then the sound really warbles.

I already searched forums and found out about many people having speed issues due to a dirty chopper wheel, so i cleaned mine (there wasn't really anything to clean) but it didn't help and now i'm a bit lost. Does anyone have an idea of what it could be/i could do? I don't really have any experience with these things but am trying my best before handing it off to a skilled professional. Just in case it's an easier fix...

Thanks in advance!

 

[MacMillan]

HI...sounds like you cannot get the speed to stabilize at 33RPM or 45RPM...there could be a drag on the motor from lack of oil/on the motor's spindle...I would try taking off the rubber mat and platter
and add 2-3 drops of light oil to the spindle..everyone has their favorite oil but all I ever used was light sewing machine oil..manual says no lube..but after 40 years...it's dry...
...if that doesn't work , the next thing I would do is clean the controls with Deoxit....especially pitch control...hopefully this helps...there are others on AK that are more able to help and they may chime in with great advice to help you.
..You have a real beauty for a TT with this SR-838...congrats...and Welcome to Audiokarma...!

 

[JOMARK911]

No no no , no oil absolutely on 838, or 929, it is specially written in the manual.
The problem is elsewhere . On the driving electronics. Not the motor it self.
First try to fiddle the quartz switch, and then play with the pitch control pot having quartz off. If it adjusts up or down the rpm's it's a matter of pots need cleaning.
If it doesn't , provided the chopper wheel is clean , it has to be further checked by a tech.

 

[larry milano]

No no no , no oil absolutely on 838, or 929, it is specially written in the manual.
The problem is elsewhere . On the driving electronics. Not the motor it self.
First try to fiddle the quartz switch, and then play with the pitch control pot having quartz off. If it adjusts up or down the rpm's it's a matter of pots need cleaning.
If it doesn't , provided the chopper wheel is clean , it has to be further checked by a tech.

I just pulled my 838 out of the original box from 1979.... mint shape--- problem is the horns in the song seem to drag-- pitch control adjusts spped and quartz switch locks the speed/\--- in your last note you said to clean the chopper wheel??? what is that

larry

 

[MIJ_Pioneer]

I just pulled my 838 out of the original box from 1979.... mint shape--- problem is the horns in the song seem to drag-- pitch control adjusts spped and quartz switch locks the speed/\--- in your last note you said to clean the chopper wheel??? what is that

larry

Nice table, sr-838 is a very nice piece of gear. Easy to fix too.

If you carefully remove the platter underneath is a black cover. Remove the small headed screws and the small plate lifts. Be carefully and very gently clean the metal disc for any obvious debris. Do not lift, bend, or otherwise damage it, it's very thin and old as the mountains. That is for the quartz lock, each slit passes an LED which is how the speed is monitored.

I also have notes on cleaning the push switches, it's been noted if these are dirty you will also have issues.

Here are some photos:

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/sr-838-restore.956804/#post-14714510