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Thorens 145 MK1 Belt comes off on Stop on 45 only.

B

bubbasweet1

Active Member
Anyone know how I can fix this? Belt comes off on 45 only when I hit stop then next time I hit start belt is off... If I play a 33 then switch to 45 it works once but then hit stop on 45 then next start on 45 Belt is off. Only happens when platter is on. 33 works fine all the time. If I take platter off I can stop and start on 45 and 33 fine. Belt looks ok but should I replace it or is there another thing to look at. THX, not very experienced with TTs
 
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A loose belt is a sign of a well worn belt. If you get a new one and want proper speed from the table you need to get the real Thorens belt, about 30bucks, from Qaudio and other vendors. Anyone selling a belt that fits is selling a belt that does not provide exact speed. Some also say the Thorens belt from William Thacker will work, too.
 
Well.. spent money on Belt. Still comes off on 45. One thing I notice is if I start the motor on 33 then stop it then start the motor on 45 then stop it then go back to 33 then to 45 it stays on. If I start the motor on 45 then stop the motor on 45 then start the motor again on 45 it comes off. Seems like it is the start and then stop and the next start on 45 consecutively that causes the belt to come off. What is the difference. Anyone know these turntables really well?
 
I had this same issue on my Thorens 160 MkII after I first acquired it, a new belt didn't fix the problem and I made a adjustment to the clutch/pulley assembly on the motor.
If I remember correctly and if the 145 is like my 160, you pull down on the clutch/pulley assembly to access one or two set screws. Adjust the assembly up or down on the motor shaft to keep the belt on the platter.
Hope this helps!
 
Any idea how I know which way to adjust? Will it be obvious? Do I do this with the platter off? I also notice that when the Platter is not on the unit, the belt stays on no matter what. Only with the added weight of the platter on 45 is comes off.
 
Pull the platter off, flip it over and watch your turntable work as you manipulate the controls. Figure out what is causing the belt to leave its intended path and correct the path as mentioned, by moving the pulley if that appears to be the issue.
 
OK so loostening the screw and then adjusting motor totally worked now the belt does not come off. Now does the metal piece that guides the belt or that the belt goes through have an adjustment. I thin it's job is to move the belt up or down if selecting 33 or 45... Belt is rubbing on the bottom very slightly when I adjust to motor so that the belt does not come off on 45. What is that chrome piece called and is there a screw adjustment to move it up or down? I have the manual but it sucks lol.. THX
 
How does one tune the suspenson? Tighten or loosen the nuts at top of those springs? Is there a proper way to do this? I am assuming if one did it wong the TT would be off level? I am a newbie as for all the questions. Do you keeps the platter on while doing this?
 
I notice my inner platter is Plastic. All works fine but is this normal for a TD145 or did someone upgrade it at some point. I just got this TT a month or so ago.. All other inner platters I see are Metal. Does it make a difference metal or plastic? Spins fine.
 
IC cool Yeah sorry I did not know this was not a stock part. I just noticed it. Should I get a metal one from Ebay? Or just adjust suspension? Why would someone do this? I mean change that part?
 
I revisited this and it is not the weight of the platter because the belt is too close to the bottom of the metal piece not the top.. When you add more weight it pushes the belt down more so actually it is not a heavier disc I need it is a lighter one or possibly new springs or a suspension adjustment as you said before. This resin platter will work fine. I ended up just adjusting the motor a little more and I did slighty bend that piece and now the belt is not touching but it was very close before.. That manual is a P.O.S.. It actually says the to turn the screw the wrong way to make the belt go up. I am not sure if anyone else noticed this. On my unit turning that screw counter clockwise makes the belt ride higher and clockwise makes it go down. but in the manual it says if the belt rides up turn the screw counter clockwise and vice versa?? I find most of the photos and descriptions in that Thorens Manual horrible and pretty much a waste of time. I wonder if I can loosen nuts on suspention/springs to bring the TT up a bit or if I need new ones? I know when I try to clean a record and turn with my hand it often bottoms out. Is this a sign that I need to suspention?
 
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Also is there no speed control for these turntables? I am starting to think my 1968 Dual 1210 is actually the superior turntable but I bought into the "Thorens" legendary name because I thought they were a much better turntable. My dual direct drive sounds awesome and is fully automatic. I never had any issues with it and it has a speed control. Very easy to calibrate and the manual actually makes sense. lol
 
these only run off speed if the belt is wrong. You can get an external power supply thing to provide a pitch control but there isn't a lot of need for it.

Does the shaft on the subplatter fit nicely into the bearing well, or is it sloppy? I can't imagine it working well if it was an 8mm part in the 10mm bearing well. The whole thing would sit funny and may not even run. Basically if it fits, I'd leave it be and adjust the suspension as needed. The springs do sag over time.
 
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