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VPI RCM problems

LotusFool

LotusFool

Well-Known Member
I bought a used VPI HW-16.5 RCM a few months ago. I just love it, but I have problems breaking vacuum tubes. 3 broken tubes in 3 months!!

After I got it home the first vacuum tube broke within 8 record cleaning. So I bought a new one from VPI and that broke after about 10 cleanings!

I bought another one 4-27 and after 10 cleanings, it broke last night!

I have faith VPI sells good quality products, and I'll bet I'm doing something wrong.

I noticed after cleaning my last record, and when I put the dust cover down for the night (with the vacuum tube pointing to the rear of the machine) the cover hits the end of the tube first as it closes. I thought that must be what is breaking the tube!

But since I discovered that, I always point the vacuum tube towards the center of the platter when I close the dust cover (so the dust cover contacts the whole tube at once while it closes. And last night the vacuum tube is broken again!!

Any and all advise is most welcome.
Thanks,
Gary
 
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I leave the lid up when cleaning and remove the tube before closing the lid when I'm done. Not enough clearance on mine to close the lid with the tube in place.
 
Thank you,

I'll bet you are right. There is no mention of removing the tube in the instructions?????
 
Had mine for years and always clean with the lid open because I clean a few at a time. And always put the tube back to normal place.
 
Broken tubes are a common problem with these things. If removing the tube doesn't fix your issue you may want to sell it and get something else.
 
My 16.5 is close to 30 years old and never had a broken tube. Like those above posted, remove it when you're finished cleaning.
 
Never broken a tube with mine.
Two things you should check-do.

#1 inspect and adjust the Vacuum Wand Height if required. Remove the Wand Assembly by merely lifting off.
Replace the Wand Assembly minus the Helical Coil Spring. Place the Wand over a Record, and note how far the Wand drops onto the record.

There is an adjustment Collar with an Allen Set Screw. Loosen this Screw, slide the collar either up or down vertically so that the Vacuum Wand just touches the Record on the Platter. Carefully re-tighten this collar, and re-check. Then remove, replace the Spring, you are then done with that adjustment.

And as mentioned, it is a good Idea to remove the Wand Assembly after use and just lay it on the deck.

Always drain the Tank after use, and by tilting the machine rearward, never any other way, you'll further aid drainage. You can simply prop the RCM up by placing a book underneath. Always totally drain the tank after every use, and by leaving the Wand off, this aids full complete drying of the recovery tank.
 
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^ Good description Mark. LF, you said you point the wand to the rear of the machine. If it ends up under the dust cover hinges that'll add to the pressure. I'd suggest checking the settings like Mark says then try pointing the wand to the center.


IMG_9047.JPG
 
patient_ot said:
Broken tubes are a common problem with these things. If removing the tube doesn't fix your issue you may want to sell it and get something else.
Click to expand...
Common? This is literally the first I’ve heard of it. I have a HW-17 and have cleaned thousands of records with it. Never had an issue with mine and I have no need to remove the tube when closed.
 
meggy said:
^ Good description Mark. LF, you said you point the wand to the rear of the machine. If it ends up under the dust cover hinges that'll add to the pressure. I'd suggest checking the settings like Mark says then try pointing the wand to the center.


View attachment 2610697
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Thank you, this Pic you posted shows the Adjustment Collar I mention with the Allen Locking Screw.
 
BamaBilly said:
Common? This is literally the first I’ve heard of it. I have a HW-17 and have cleaned thousands of records with it. Never had an issue with mine and I have no need to remove the tube when closed.
Click to expand...

Not sure how to term it, but yes, people do break them. VPI does make a more durable black Delrin Wand I believe. Lloyd Walker even once produced an all Metal Wand which had no velvet protective strips. This product wasn't long lived on the market though.

I am also pretty sure that VPI in recent times used two different types of Dust Covers, one as pictured above that sat within the Side Walls, and another I believe that was larger in size and sat on top of the Side Walls
 
BamaBilly said:
Common? This is literally the first I’ve heard of it. I have a HW-17 and have cleaned thousands of records with it. Never had an issue with mine and I have no need to remove the tube when closed.
Click to expand...

Just because you haven't heard of it doesn't mean it isn't common. I've seen this issue brought up many times over the years. That's common enough.
 
patient_ot said:
Just because you haven't heard of it doesn't mean it isn't common. I've seen this issue brought up many times over the years. That's common enough.
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I didn’t say it wasn’t common, just that I’d never heard of it. Can you site any of these “many” examples?
 
If ever removing the Clear Acrylic Wands for whatever reason, you have to be careful and not place any flexing on the Part.
 
I've had my 16 for nearly forty years and have replaced it twice: once for the newer 16.5 design and later after the felt started coming off.
 
E-Stat said:
I've had my 16 for nearly forty years and have replaced it twice: once for the newer 16.5 design and later after the felt started coming off.
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Hey just a heads up, you can buy just the felt strips. I’ve replaced mine twice,
 
Thank you everybody!!

There has been much discussion that I have missed. I wonder why I didn't get email or Alerts from AK?

I call VPI this morning and spoke with Tina who said this is not common. I believe she is sending me a free replacement tube.

I've decided to simply remove the tube when I close up for the night and bring down the cover. But I'll bet Mark is right. I didn't notice the set screw that would release the vertical tube and allow for adjustment in height. Looking at it now as the wand assembly sits on it's spring, the top the part the tube fits into is 1/4" above the surface the dust cover will close down to.

I did not buy this machine from VPI but rather picked it up used, so who know how the guy who had it before me set it up or whatever happened to it.

Just for reference, When my new tube arrives, what is the distance from the tube to the record when the vacuum is off?

Thanks everybody!!
Gary
 
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