Thorens TD-150 speed switch sticking

[greffe]

Sorry, this a really superficial problem, but I hope it will be easy for someone to diagnose. I'm trying to get a TD-150 working properly, and the belt doesn't slide up to the larger band on the drive spindle for 45 when I switch it, although it goes back down to 33 correctly. Could this be just that the belt has lost its suppleness and needs replacing?

I am also hoping to eliminate a weak/fuzzy channel that cuts out intermittently, but another post indicated the cartridge posts might need cleaning.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[gk7]

If your belt is older than 5 years or so, it´s most likely
worn out and should be replaced. But be sure to get an
original Thorens belt for the TD-150 (#6800574) or a
belt for the Linn LP-12 (that´s what I currently use with
good succes). (Especially stay away from dealers that try
to sell some "universal" belt "fit´s 150, 160 ...", they
do _not_ have the same length.)

Before mounting the new belt clean the motor pulley with
alcohol (never do this with the belt though). Do not touch the
belt with fingers (wear gloves or similar when mounting).
The printed side of the belt has to be on the outside.

Additionally you could try to adjust the tilt angle of
the motor. The motor is mounted with three screws, the
one next to the inner platter is used for this adjustment.
(This is unfortunately a somewhat tedious task, remove the
platter, adjust, put back the platter, start, look if the
belt slips in the right position, ...)

Hope this helps,

[greffe]

Thanks a lot. So the LP12 and TD-150 use the same size belt? That's helpful to know, since there seem to be more of the Linn ones available, and less expensive.

[gk7]

I have both and will compare them in the evening. On my TD-150 the Linn belt fits perfect,
although I have found information on the net that says otherwise:

TURNTABLE - RECORD PLAYER - PHONOGRAPH

Thorens:
TD-150 Mark II Flat Belt, Small 19.6 Inch
TD-150A Flat Belt, Medium 20.7 Inch
TD-150B Flat Belt, Medium 20.7 Inch

Linn:
LP-12 Flat Belt, Medium 21.4 Inch

I will investigate that further, and check if my TD-150 is a Mark II, A or B model.

[greffe]

Thank you, Georg. Another useful-looking site. My TD 150 is an MkII. As for the A/B models, the manual says:

The appellation TD 150 MK II AB refers to the integrated turntable with tone arm TP 13 A and base (plinth).

The special versions:

TD 150/MkII without tone arm and without base
TD 150/MkII A with tone arm TP 13A, but without base
TD 150/MkII B without tone arm, but with base

I think mine is the AB, since it has the Thorens tone arm and a wooden base with a small 'METRO SOUND' badge on the front.

I suppose almost an inch of difference in the Linn belt would affect the traction and speed. Thanks for looking into this.

Marlon

[gk7]

Yes you right, the Linn belt would be far to loose (by 1.8 inches) on your deck.
The dimensions from post #4 seem to be correct.
I have a first generation TD-150 (not Mk II) which needs a 20.7 inch belt
so the Linn belt (21.4 inch) is actually 0.7 inch too long but this is obviously
not too much to cause problems.

I measured the (unused) Thorens belt I have and it´s 19.6 inch so at least
the part number (#6800574) I mentioned in my first post would be correct
for your Mk II. I can send it to you if you want.

[greffe]

Well, that's a kind offer. Yes, please. I'll PM you if that's all right and give you my address, and let me know what you would like for the belt and shipping cost.

Thanks.

[greffe]

Sorry, I found you don't take private messages, but if you PM me your e-mail, I can send you my address. Thanks a lot.

[gk7]

I did not know that I have to enable private messages, sorry. Have enabled them now.
Of course you get the belt for free, I can´t use it anyway on my deck and shipping cost should be near to nothing as it weights only a few grams.

[greffe]

The new belt from Georg did the trick. The speed selector switch is somewhat fiddly, and I had to adjust the spring that guides it, along with the suspended chassis springs, but I've got both 33 and 45 playing and switching as they should. Thanks!