Thorens TD160 not running at 45rpm

[Shume]

Good afternoon,

I've just replaced the plinth on my TD160 and have moved the metal base and the sub-platter over successfully.
Or so i thought, until i plugged the TT back, turned it on and now it doesn't turn at 45rpm.

With the belt attached round the inner platter and the belt spindle, 33rpm rotation is fine.

Switching the switch to off turns off the motor, as i expect, but switching it to the 45rpm position does not turn on the motor, so no power to the belt spindle, so no rotation

Last time i used the turntable, everything was working fine, so i don't know what has happened for it to stop working now

I'd be grateful for any ideas as to why this might have happened and how i can fix it

thanks

Simon Hume

 

[tnsilver]

Welcome to AK!

Sometimes in a new plinth the corner rubs the edge of the speed switch assembly from the inside. It goes unnoticeable while playing 33 rpm but the protruding edge of the assembly gets blocked at 45 rpm, so the switch cannot complete the turn and close the circuit. You can take the chassis out of the plinth just high enough to test it. Adjust the plinth corner (chisel or drill into it to remove some substance at the correct spot), if that's the issue.

Other reasons may have to do with the micro switch contacts not closing the circuit at 45 rpm. The switch sits on two adjustable screws, so you may have to loosen them a bit, find the spot for the switch contacts to close correctly in both speeds and re-tighten the screws.

 

[Shume]

Hi Tom

Thanks for your prompt response.

I already had the chassis out of the plinth, but have slightly loosened the 2 adjustable screws securing the micro-switch contacts and it now plays at both 33 & 45rpm!

I'll now put it back in the new plinth and then tweak them to make sure it plays both speeds.

thanks once again for your assistance

Simon