• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Stuck Akai AP-M3 platter

J

Johnster

New Member
Dear all,

I hope everyone is doing fine. As I stated in the title, I have an Akai Clarity Series from my late father brought from Japan and recently I wanted to try it out but the turntable's (AP-M3) belt literally disintegrated. Never been replaced since 1984.

First thing I tried searching for the service manual and it doesn't exist. Some sites claims that they have but the previews are all for wrong models. I don't want to waste $20 for a wrong manual.

Then I tried to remove the platter by myself. Removed the mat, tried to lift from the holes didn't work. Gently tapped the spindle and lift at the same time didn't work. Applied some WD40 and waited couple of hours, nothing. Heated the platter and spindle gently didn't work.

Lastly, I opened it up. At the bottom removed the screws, nothing special, managed to get in. The spindle shaft hold by a "C" clip and also managed to removed that, still stuck. The platter spins without any effort, no issues there but I cannot replace the belt cause it doesn't want to come off. Can someone knows this model share some clues?

Thank you in advance, and apologies for the long post.
 
Register to hide this ad
Guys, is there any tool like a bearing puller. This thing is driving me crazy. Still spraying wd40 everyday in case it may ooze in and loosen and gently heating time to time but no luck. I don't want to apply too much force cause the platter doesn't seem like take it. Any suggestions?
 
Tried and true method #1 - (mat removed - pull up with steady pressure via holes in platter - with the other hand, rap the platter (the platter - not the center spindle - so it rings) with a non metallic object (screwdriver handle - caution because often when it loosens, it goes flying as you are applying pressure. Works better than WD40 - usually. There are better penetrating oils than WD-40 - that may help. Heating only helps if you don't heat the center spindle... YMMV good luck.
 
sregor said:
Tried and true method #1 - (mat removed - pull up with steady pressure via holes in platter - with the other hand, rap the platter (the platter - not the center spindle - so it rings) with a non metallic object (screwdriver handle - caution because often when it loosens, it goes flying as you are applying pressure. Works better than WD40 - usually. There are better penetrating oils than WD-40 - that may help. Heating only helps if you don't heat the center spindle... YMMV good luck.
Click to expand...

Thanks sregor, appreciated. I will seek another penetrating oil and give it another try. Again thank you for the reply.
 
sregor said:
Tried and true method #1 - (mat removed - pull up with steady pressure via holes in platter - with the other hand, rap the platter (the platter - not the center spindle - so it rings) with a non metallic object (screwdriver handle - caution because often when it loosens, it goes flying as you are applying pressure. Works better than WD40 - usually. There are better penetrating oils than WD-40 - that may help. Heating only helps if you don't heat the center spindle... YMMV good luck.
Click to expand...

Man I love you. Just now I did it. What worked for me, I placed a half inch aluminium stick on the spindle and tried to keep it balanced as I apply pressure with my thumbs and my index and middle fingers in the holes. And as I push with my thumbs and pull from the hole, my wife tapped the middle with the handle of a screwdriver. You have no idea how big relief this is. Sincerely thank you, I was about to give up on it. Have a great one and stay safe sregor.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom