Turntable oil question
- Thread starter slow_jazz
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I don't think the oil you have will be bad though it is probably lighter than what I use which is a quality brand synthetic 10W30 motor oil. One bottle is a lifetime supply and it works well.
You also will almost certainly from using Deoxit or similar contact cleaner on the pitch control. That and an old worn belt are probably where your speed issues are coming from.
You also will almost certainly from using Deoxit or similar contact cleaner on the pitch control. That and an old worn belt are probably where your speed issues are coming from.
johnebravo
I should be practicing
I've used sewing machine oil, which is cheap and readily available. Just a little goes a long way.
BillyBatts
ALOHA!
Most light machine oil will work fine. I'm much less fussy these days than I used to be in my youth, when I was obsessed with everything being absolutely by the book and perfect. Your motor won't care as long as it's properly lubed. These days, I use Marvel Mystery Oil because I always have it handy, and it works just fine and seems to keep the motors bushing and bearings clean and oiled.
It's likely the issue with your speed variable is dirt and/or dryness. The bearings, bushings, etc. get dirty and need oil and potentially a cleaning. Start with lube first and see what happens. You may have to run the table motor for a while after oiling to see if the issue totally resolves.
It's likely the issue with your speed variable is dirt and/or dryness. The bearings, bushings, etc. get dirty and need oil and potentially a cleaning. Start with lube first and see what happens. You may have to run the table motor for a while after oiling to see if the issue totally resolves.
Any of those solutions is fine. I can recall reading a review many years ago about some super-duper magic oil (that cost about $30 an ounce back then) where the reviewer could hear the difference between different oils marketed specifically for turntables. Some of this just goes too far.
DustyOldPile
Vinyl Goddess
10W30? That sounds kind of thick... not that I have any expertise. I've used 3 in 1 oil.
jasonsong86
Super Member
Use sewing machine oil or gun oil.
Wipe clean the old stuff and drip in some new stuff and you are good to go.
Wipe clean the old stuff and drip in some new stuff and you are good to go.
It works well for all kinds of things. I've used it on more than 100, maybe more than 200, turntables.
marcmorin
RIP 1953-2020
10w30 can be too thick on a belt drive.
shelly_d
Not An Audiophool
Perhaps it CAN, but in my experience it works fine and has done so for years. In fact on Rega the spindle well oil I would and have used is much thicker and similar to that recommended by them. I wouldn't use that more viscous stuff on motors however.
jasonsong86
Super Member
Too thick of oil can actually cause direct drive motor sound.
hirscwi
Super Member
That's an impressive number of tables!
MRL_Audio
RIP 2022
I have read that more than once. Also agree that the motors are really not that finicky. Just keep them lubed. Machine oil, 10W or razor oil. They all work fine. I am using oil/lubricant pick up in a syringe dispenser that Radio Shack sells. Works a charm.
Doug G.
Lunatic Member
10W30 is not too thick for a spindle bearing. Most of them can use a bit of damping to ward off wow and flutter and the slightly thicker oil provides it. You want plenty of cushion between those metal parts.
BIC used 90 weight gear oil on the original 900 series platter bearings and those are belt drive. It works fine but, unfortunately, over time, it hardens and sticks the platter to the bearing. 20-30 weight oil is a good compromise.
doug
BIC used 90 weight gear oil on the original 900 series platter bearings and those are belt drive. It works fine but, unfortunately, over time, it hardens and sticks the platter to the bearing. 20-30 weight oil is a good compromise.
doug
cdk99
Well-Known Member
Gear oil and motor oil are on different scales. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/viscosity-charts/ Then there's synthetic, which pours differently than the numbers would indicate.
To the OP, look for the Zoom-Spout oiler at the local hardware or online, it comes with turbine oil and the long flexible clear spout makes it a doddle to put a drop just so. For Thorens idler motors it's unbeatable, you can reach right in the lower hole until you hit the shaft and leave a drop. (this isn't coming out right...I mean...never mind)
The other oil I like for small things, speaking of gear oil, is Redline's MTL, which I had some left over from the last gearbox change. It pours light for a 75-80 wt, has a little stickiness so it stays on parts, and holds up well under duress.
To the OP, look for the Zoom-Spout oiler at the local hardware or online, it comes with turbine oil and the long flexible clear spout makes it a doddle to put a drop just so. For Thorens idler motors it's unbeatable, you can reach right in the lower hole until you hit the shaft and leave a drop. (this isn't coming out right...I mean...never mind)
The other oil I like for small things, speaking of gear oil, is Redline's MTL, which I had some left over from the last gearbox change. It pours light for a 75-80 wt, has a little stickiness so it stays on parts, and holds up well under duress.
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