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Technics SL-BL3 parts...

drjohnnyfeva

drjohnnyfeva

Well-Known Member
This is probably a dumb question, but any idea where I might find some parts reserves for a Technics SL-BL3? Ebay has a couple units, but spending the money on a whole unit for one part is something I want to avoid. It's a linear tracking TT that I had as a kid... not the original one, but one purchased recently to replace it. I actually had two in various states of repair and just enough parts to get ONE going great.

The thing sounds great. Hard to believe for an early 80's linear tracker, but it's true.

Anyway, novice that I am, I removed a rocker switch from one and replaced it in the better of the two. Problem is that it should have been installed with the lid open rather than closed. So when the lid opened, it sheared off the top portion of the plastic switch.

By design, when the lid is closed there is a metal leaf at the back right of the TT near the hinge that pushes the rocker switch back enabling the TT to spin. It will not spin with the lid opened as the switch is then not engaged. So once the lid is lifted the TT stops spinning and the tonearm automatically returns to the beginning position.

I have it running, but I had to turn it into only a semi-auto table. The copper band from the switch, had to be folded in between the contacts in the switch to allow the table to operate.

I would be so eternally thankful to anyone with information on this part or even a substitue. I instantly realized my mistake and felt cursed and cheated with the break after identifying the problem, installing the "new" part and never having the opportunity to test the fix or use the TT as intended. Took a few minutes to splice the wires, tested it without putting it all back together, worked great, installed the switch in it's place, and then SNAP. SH!T!!! And Voila! Back to two marginally operational TT's.

Any help or ideas would be appreciated.
 
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kermit z said:
You might try organ donor parts . com . No affiliation but folks seem to use them a lot.
Click to expand...

They had the switch! Many thanks. Got them looking for a tonearm assembly for the other table to fix a damping issue on the tonearm. Great place. Really know their stuff. Thanks again.
 
Just ordered a tonearm assembly too to fix what a local shop said they couldn't because they couldn't find parts... What really happened was that they broke the cylinder that controls the tonearm decent trying to put in the wrong damping fluid. I had pics of it before it went in and explained to them what it needed, so it was on the receipt I had. It was beyond my patience and expertise to do. But now I figure, I'll spend the money on the part, myself and take more care than they will. I got half the "diagnostic fee" back, but it galls me that I can do much of it with better care than the local shop...

Nevertheless, organdonors is a tremendous resource and I'm indebted for the recommendation. I'll have these two things running like new in no time.:)
 
drjohnnyfeva said:
By design, when the lid is closed there is a metal leaf at the back right of the TT near the hinge that pushes the rocker switch back enabling the TT to spin.
Click to expand...
This helped me I believe. I had read elsewhere the the BA6301 party was their problem. I replaced that part but it still didn’t turn. I pushed that metal leaf in by hand and was able to see the spindle turn which was a first. Mine is still a little touchy but it not works. Thanks for this tip.
 
golfnut said:
This helped me I believe. I had read elsewhere the the BA6301 party was their problem. I replaced that part but it still didn’t turn. I pushed that metal leaf in by hand and was able to see the spindle turn which was a first. Mine is still a little touchy but it not works. Thanks for this tip.
Click to expand...
If either the metal leaf or the plastic switch that extends thru the TT is broken, the platter will likely not spin. You can tightly roll a piece of aluminum foil and insert it into the switch hole to bridge the connection allowing the platter to spin while you figure out replacing the switch itself. There are some great alternatives for switches in this thread. It's a good TT and worth the effort. Good luck.

Edit - if it's the metal leaf on the TT lid that is broken or missing, finding something to replace that piece so that the switch will engage with the lid closed would be required.
 
drjohnnyfeva said:
If either the metal leaf or the plastic switch that extends thru the TT is broken, the platter will likely not spin. You can tightly roll a piece of aluminum foil and insert it into the switch hole to bridge the connection allowing the platter to spin while you figure out replacing the switch itself. There are some great alternatives for switches in this thread. It's a good TT and worth the effort. Good luck.

Edit - if it's the metal leaf on the TT lid that is broken or missing, finding something to replace that piece so that the switch will engage with the lid closed would be required.
Click to expand...
Thanks. For now, I did end up putting some extra padding on the lid connection and for far so good.
 
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