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Technics SL7 tone-arm not moving :(

Let the guy first get the turntable turning. Even if the tonearm is stuck, the platter should rotate. Let's sort that issue out first.

I have pics of the inside of the sl7 tonearm mechanism, but let's sort out the platter issue first!
 
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tried this with my SL7
In auto mode, if you press start, then it spins up and stops if lid is open. However, it will turn if you keep the start button depressed
in 12" mode, it will start spinning and the tonearm will lower.

As per the manual, if the tonearm is locked, the platter will not turn, but at least in mine, it turned even without unlocking - perhaps yours is still locked
 
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IMHO it's still a classic case of broken/gummed up tonearm belt. I have 3 SL 10, and two of them needed belt replacements when I bought them. And of course, both showed the same problem as your SL7, before the belts were replaced: the platter would spin, but the tonearm wouldn't move anywhere. Faulty 40-year-old belts are a very common problem with these linear-trackers.
 
Hugo65 said:
IMHO it's still a classic case of broken/gummed up tonearm belt. I have 3 SL 10, and two of them needed belt replacements when I bought them. And of course, both showed the same problem as your SL7, before the belts were replaced: the platter would spin, but the tonearm wouldn't move anywhere. Faulty 40-year-old belts are a very common problem with these linear-trackers.
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When you changed the belts and lubricated them did the tables then function optimally?
 
Hugo65 said:
This video is on an SL10, but it might give you an idea about what is going on with your SL 7. I`d suggest you pay attention when the technician approaches the tonearm mechanism belt.
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You were right, when the table settings switch is set to automatic it doesn't turn unless there's a record on the platter apparently. Otherwise it's turning.
 
eiraved said:
Turntable arm or platter operational issues usually have to do with dry lubricant gumming up the works.
I'm wondering why didn't you test the turntable when you first received it? Yes, the former owner may have said it worked fine but you still should verify. You could have returned it and got a refund.
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At the time I was going through an emotional crisis and didn't have time to test it, however I DID contact the seller shortly after purchasing the table and asked if he is absolutely sure it is working right, he disappeared from ebay and never answered this question.
 
gr33nhorn said:
Let the guy first get the turntable turning. Even if the tonearm is stuck, the platter should rotate. Let's sort that issue out first.

I have pics of the inside of the sl7 tonearm mechanism, but let's sort out the platter issue first!
Click to expand...

I confirmed what you said is true, changed the switch setting off automatic and it turns whether there's a record on it or not. However now the tone arm does not lower down at all. At least before it was lowering down. Any idea?
 
ClayTune said:
At the time I was going through an emotional crisis and didn't have time to test it, however I DID contact the seller shortly after purchasing the table and asked if he is absolutely sure it is working right, he disappeared from ebay and never answered this question.
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I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully it is over with!
 
ClayTune said:
I confirmed what you said is true, changed the switch setting off automatic and it turns whether there's a record on it or not. However now the tone arm does not lower down at all. At least before it was lowering down. Any idea?
Click to expand...
It will lower only once it has reached the appropriate position. depending on where you set the switch, the tonearm may not be where it wants to be.

Now the next step, as everyone has been saying, is to relube the tonearm mechanism. It's fairly straightforward if you are handy with a screwdriver, and understand the repair video that was posted earlier, or this one

you need a replacement belt, screwdriver, Isopropyl alcohol (available at any drugstore or supermarket), q tips, paper towels, and some lube, and a fair amount of patience, as the grease is inside a lot of hard to reach places, and you will need to take a lot of pics to remember what went where when re assembling.

Or you can pay a tech $65 an hour to do it for you.
 
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I did this job on an SL-3, a new arm belt and lube got it going. Mine is a lowly belt drive version but sounds surprisingly nice all things considered, I think you will enjoy your technics when all is said and done.
 
Done this on an SL-5 and an SL-DL1. Both had arm belt problems. One moved but it was jerky, the other just didn't move. Once you get that going it will quite likely behave itself as expected. I don't remember the detailed specifics but I don't remember the arm belt drive being difficult to access. A couple of screws and a plastic tab to pop the cover off the bottom of the assembly on the lid and the belt was right over on the side opposite where the arm parks. Probably took longer to find the right belt in my assortment bag than it did to do the rest of the job.
 
Hey guys,

I still have my SL7 in the closet (refuse to get rid of it) and had some time to start pursuing this topic again. I got plans to have it mechanically inspected and diagnosed. I am willing to pay someone a hundred bucks even to fix it. I will report back when I have more results.
 
ClayTune said:
I confirmed what you said is true, changed the switch setting off automatic and it turns whether there's a record on it or not. However now the tone arm does not lower down at all. At least before it was lowering down. Any idea?
Click to expand...

Hi, since you want to resurrect your SL-7 I can be of help.

Two problems that often happens are with (1) the switch that detects that the lid is closed, and (2) the wires that come from the bottom to the top of the turntable.

The wires (2) suffer damage over time and can have intermittent connections, and this will lead to MANY issues including motor not starting at all, etc etc.

So you need to diagnose each and every one of the wires that come from the bottom to the top.

Now, once you get the turntable moving and the arm carriage moves whenever you hit the start/stop buttons, if when playing a record the arm gets stuck in the same groove (not advancing and following the record), then the arm carriage wire/pulley system will need lubrication and the wire will require re-tensioning (or replacement). Also inspect the arm carriage motor belt.

Electronically, these turntables are very reliable. Often the problems are simple mechanical things (arm carriage pulley system) or electrical things (bad wires, cold solder joints, dirty switches).

As for paying money, there are tons of incompetent turntable technicians out there so be careful choosing. Better choose an electronics expert, if you have an EE (electrical engineer) friend that could be the best choice.
 
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