Technics SL-D205 tonearm won't pivot to turntable

[howsea]

Recently purchased a used SL-D205. Start/stop and manual use of tonearm pivoting to/from turntable was fine. I opened up the bottom to clean and lube. I did remove the screws and lift up the automatic mechanism plate in a mistaken attempt to access the cueing lifter (I have since learned to adjust lifter by the screw on the lifter). Returned the automatic mechanism plate to it's position and screwed down. Now, the tonearm is jammed. I cannot move to the left toward the platter. Something is physically stopping it from pivoting.

I have restored power, spun the platter, and manually cycled the gears on the automatic mechanism plate to try and clear the logic but nothing works. Everything seems to be turning & engaging as it should but nothing will 'free' the tonearm.

I have bricked this thing if I can't get some guidance from some friendly, knowledgeable resources!

 

[Fishead]

Hey Aaron, someone here will know about this and chime in, meanwhile......when you took the automatic mechanism plate off, did you notice that there were some different size screws? Most of them are 3x10, but there are others that are 3x8 and even 3x6, so if you happened to get one of those in the wrong spot, it could keep the works from operating. Just a thought. Look at page 17 of the service manual where it shows exactly which screws go where. You probably already did this, but never hurts to double check your work.

Also, UNPLUG THE TURNTABLE, take the dustcover off, remove the mat and the platter, remove headshell, lock arm in the armrest. Now turn the turntable over and find something that will suspend it about a foot off the desk you're working on. Reach underneath and unlock the tonearm and while looking at the mechanism, try to move it gently towards the spindle and see if you are able to identify what is causing it to bind up. Keep removing things, taking pictures each step of the way and labeling stuff if that helps, until you find that you have removed something that allows the tonearm to move freely again. This is how I would go about it, and very carefully so, trying to understand the mechanics as I go.

Something is causing it to be mechanically bound so look for a piece that is where it shouldn't be. That diagram is pretty detailed. You'll get this sorted and have an operational deck soon enough amigo.....

 

[Fishead]

Also, while you have the turntable upside down, I would take that automatic mechanism plate off again and see if that frees the tonearm. If so, then fit it back on without any screws.....does the tonearm move freely? One by one, put the screws back in according to the diagram on page 17 of the manual. First, put them all side by side so you can differentiate between the 3x10 and smaller, this way you know exactly which is which. Be patient, this thing will sing once again.....

 

[howsea]

Thanks, Fishead. I have done this but am willing to pursue again. I think the screws are threaded such that they will not go into an incorrect hole, but your recommendation is a good one and I will invest that time. I did take a shot at operating it from underneath but I need to figure out a better more stable solution. Thanks for the advice again!

 

[Fishead]

Actually, all the screws appear to be #3, it's just the length that varies so an incorrect length screw may very well go into a hole because they are all the same diameter/thread......this is what I'm hoping you'll find, that there is one a little too long where it should not be (and again, the schematic on page 17 shows exactly which ones go where). But then again, I am not exactly certain how many/which screws you took out to get the automatic mechanism plate off. One thing I would be VERY interested in, though, would be if the tonearm moves freely with that plate off.....this would provide you the most information because if it does, then putting it back on causes the restriction and THAT is the issue we're trying to run down.....what is it that happens when the plate goes on that locks the arm......HMMMMM???

 

[howsea]

***Disregard! I've been able to solve for it after adjusting auto return adjustment screw. Learning! Additionally this model has a stop, not a stop/start button. Thx!***
I've been able to free up the tonearm. Not sure what did it, but it's no longer stuck. Did this by removing the automatic plate and just manipulating things and got lucky. Now, if I manually move tonearm to the outside edge of the platter the platter will spin, but the lift arm rises, the tonearm returns to the tonearm stand and the lift arms lowers. I have moved the tonearm to the center of the platter and this initiates the return sequence, identical to what I described above. Pressing the start button, I can hear the switch click but nothing happens - no action is automatically initiated. Let me know if you have any suggestions on how to clear this issue. TIA!