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VPI RCM problems

If you get the Delrin tube your problems will be over. I had went through 3 of the stock tubes with my 16.5 and figure for $30 piece I just wasted $90 when I could have bought the Delrin for $70 so that’s what I did , that was a couple years ago and zero issues since.

AC6A22C1-4CBE-4AD3-AFC0-FFE4AF383D9D.jpeg CFF9B5D9-F976-43D9-ACD3-C04F6CA62071.jpeg

Audiofreak71
 
LotusFool said:
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
Click to expand...

The distance will be hard to determine precisely due to the height adjustment I mention earlier, and the unsprung height of the Helical Spring.
 
Hey Everybody,

I just heard back from Tina at VPI, and VPI is going to send me the "Delrin Tube" for the cost of S&H!
It is apparent from all these post, that my problem of breaking tubes is because the vacuum tube was set up to high and this is because I did not buy the machine new, but used.

So VPI is helping me fix a problem that was not their fault, but is supporting me nonetheless.
How about a company you can actually believe in!
Wow!
Now if I could only afford one of their turn tables.
 
LotusFool said:
Hey Everybody,

I just heard back from Tina at VPI, and VPI is going to send me the "Delrin Tube" for the cost of S&H!
It is apparent from all these post, that my problem of breaking tubes is because the vacuum tube was set up to high and this is because I did not buy the machine new, but used.

So VPI is helping me fix a problem that was not their fault, but is supporting me nonetheless.
How about a company you can actually believe in!
Wow!
Now if I could only afford one of their turn tables.
Click to expand...
Good stuff , that Delrin tube should last you many years.


Audiofreak71
 
Hey Audiofreak71,

Whenever you get a chance could you please measure or estimate how much higher you vacuum head is than the frame of the machine. Or (if this makes it easier to understand) When you close the dust cover, how far does the dust cover press down on the head?
1/4" 1/8" 1/16" ??

Or, (with the vacuum arm pointing at the spindle) what is the distance from the platter to the bottom of the vac. tube with no suction on.
I need to make sure this is right before I get the new tube.
Thanks
Gary
 
LotusFool said:
Hey Audiofreak71,

Whenever you get a chance could you please measure or estimate how much higher you vacuum head is than the frame of the machine. Or (if this makes it easier to understand) When you close the dust cover, how far does the dust cover press down on the head?
1/4" 1/8" 1/16" ??

Or, (with the vacuum arm pointing at the spindle) what is the distance from the platter to the bottom of the vac. tube with no suction on.
I need to make sure this is right before I get the new tube.
Thanks
Gary
Click to expand...
I don’t keep the tube on when not in use , I always take it off and lay on its side and the top rests on the side of the base. But I can try and measure when I get back home.


Audiofreak71
 
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Ok I just took pictures for you so hopefully this helps, as far as distance when the lid is down on the tube it’s approximately 1/2 to 3/4 in ? But that’s just eye balling hard to get my tape measure in there.

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Audiofreak71
 
Not sure if you have the 16.5 Manual, but here it is for you to read through.
I think one way users cracked their tubes was often by accidentally dropping-slamming the dust Cover upon the Vacuum Wand.

The downside some perhaps didn't like about the Black Delrin Wand, was that you cannot see the Fluids being removed, and I think some liked this feature as they could perhaps see just how "foamy-soapy" the fluids-solutions looked while being removed.

I always felt no matter the cleaner, even let's for say you're using AIVS #6 One-Step Cleaner, that it is always wise to finish a Record Side with at least 1 clean water rinse.

You'll note precautions, such as always firmly locking the Plastic Drain Hose Clamp while the Machine is in use. This is very important.

The tuning of the Wand Height I described earlier I think is something that VPI themselves only roughly adjusts-dials in when they are manufactured. As I say, the bottom travel-height of the Wand itself should be just contacting the record surface with a record clamped to the Platter.

There is also another tweak tuning aspect of the Wand that I've found to be true, and beneficial, other experienced users have noted this as well.

That the Slot on the Vacuum Wand should not be precisely 90 degrees to the surface of the Record. That the slot should be ever so slightly canted by a degree or two towards the oncoming rotation-towards the rear of the machine.

Yes, this might cause slightly more wear in time to only one of the Velvet Protective Strips, but also seems to enhance Fluid Pickup as well,

I liken it to a Snow Blower's Mouth more easily accepting Snow as it moves forward.

With the Vacuum Slot in perfect 90 degree orientation, it can cause "pooling" of fluids in front of the Wand.

The 16.5 should be able to adequately remove fluids with just 2 rotations of the Platter-Record. If it takes more rotations than this, I might then inspect Gasket Sealing at where the Face of the Rotary Vacuum Motor is mated to the Recovery Tank.

This Foam Gasketing in time can go bad, or can even be mal-positioned straight from the factory, and not providing a positive seal.

If ever removing the bottom Cover for periodic inspection-maintenence, always insure the tank is full emptied and dry.

The Vacuum Motor is not waterproof. Tilt the machine to the sides with Fluids in the Tank can-will introduce fluids directly into the Impeller Face of the Vacuum Motor.

I think anyone who owns these RCMs should do a precursory "shakedown" on them, check connections such as electrical, the Hose and Hose Clamp where it attaches to the Recovery Tank, closely look for any signs of internal leakage, and if there is, identify what the source of such is, etc. and make necessary repairs.

The VPI 16.5 can get quite warm-hot while in continual marathon use. If not having performed a Cooling Fan Mod, it is wise to occasionally take a break for 10 minutes with both Motors shut off, and let things cool down a bit. Both Motors will get hot.

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/830361/Vpi-Hw-16-5.html?page=5#manual
 
Another area which some have experienced problems with the 16.5 RCM, is a Platter, or Platter-Motor Arbor that becomes loose.

If you look closely, you will note that there is a small central circular portion of the Cork Mat that is pre-cut and can be carefully lifted-removed to gain access to the Platter's 3 Mounting Screws. An Exacto or Utility Knife will be the tool to carefully remove this portion of the Cork Mat.

Repeated Heating-Cooling cycles can cause both the Platter Mounting Screws to come loose, as well the jarring of the Vacuum applying rotational pressure at this attachment point,

Also, even the Locking Allen Screws which secure the Platter-Motor Arbor to the Platter Motor's Shaft should be checked that they are tight.

The Platter is only MDF Material, and should the screws become loose, it can cause damage and the holes in the Platter will likely become egg-shaped/elongated, and will become a problem.

Platter removal-replacement is easy, takes but a few minutes to do.
 
Nice write-up Mark! I don't own one, but if I did I would feel pretty prepared for anything that might come up with it! Thanks!
 
LotusFool said:
Hey Everybody,

I just heard back from Tina at VPI, and VPI is going to send me the "Delrin Tube" for the cost of S&H!
It is apparent from all these post, that my problem of breaking tubes is because the vacuum tube was set up to high and this is because I did not buy the machine new, but used.

So VPI is helping me fix a problem that was not their fault, but is supporting me nonetheless.
How about a company you can actually believe in!
Wow!
Now if I could only afford one of their turn tables.
Click to expand...

VPI has done me very well over the years.

Once a minor problem with my 16.5 RCM when first receiving it, it was missing one of the Lexan Dust Cover's Stops.

I think it was Mike, possibly Matt who said I'll send one right out. I then said to him before you do that, could you give me the price of an entire spare Vacuum Wand Assembly, and I'll mail you a US Money Order for such, just throw the little Stop in with that Part.

Know what he said? "I'll throw the entire Spare Vacuum Wand Assembly as well to you free of charge!"

I desired the Wand as I thought I would dedicate it for use with only final Pure Water Rinses.
It seemed rare that I did then ever use it for such, and thus is still like brand new, and fully tuned, ready to go on my machine.

That's one of a few very nice feel good stories of my experiences with VPI
 
You know it says a lot about a company just in the way they hire somebody to answer their phone. When you dial their number and the person who answers the phone speaks English, without a heavy accent you can't understand. When the person who answers the phone actually knows about their products and can actually help you. It shows they respect their customers.
Call me a VPI fan for life, and I spend a lot of money on this stuff!
 
LotusFool said:
You know it says a lot about a company just in the way they hire somebody to answer their phone. When you dial their number and the person who answers the phone speaks English, without a heavy accent you can't understand. When the person who answers the phone actually knows about their products and can actually help you. It shows they respect their customers.
Call me a VPI fan for life, and I spend a lot of money on this stuff!
Click to expand...

BTW, I think it was when I went to do the Platter Mod, removed the Stock Platter, I found that missing Lid Stop stuck underneath the Platter. LOL So, it actually wasn't missing, just fell off and had found a new home. Thus I wound up with a spare part! LOL

I think what mine kept doing, was falling off. Seemed like Silicone RTV I tried doesn't work so well on those Laminated Cabinets, so I think I screwed both on, and solved that little issue.

VPI perhaps Hot Glued those little Lid Stops was all.

Breakage of wands was perhaps why I seen some newer 16.5's with the Lid mounted on top of the Case, and different type Hinges then used. Allows a bit more clearance.
 
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