Dear friends,
My Garrard 401 uses 110v 60hz and the original 50Hz pulley has been replaced by a 60 Hz pulley.
However, when I turn on the turntable, the speed is around 31.xx~32.xx at the beginning. I will have to wait about 5 minutes to let it heat up to 33.3rpm (I know that 401 has warm up time!); however, the correct 33.33 rpm only lasted about 10 minutes, the speed will increase slightly after 30 minutes~1hour, turned into 33.4X~33.7Xrpm(+0.3~0.5 rpm), and then I have to adjust it back to 33.33rpm. Is this normal? Is it very nomal due to the temperature of the motor that makes it gain more rpm from time to time?
Attached picture is a record of the speed change in 40 minutes:
as you can see in the picture, in 40 minutes, the speed changed from 33.1x to 33.6x, (+0.5 rpm in 40 minutes) is it very nomal due to the temperature of the motor that makes it gain more rpm from time to time? so that after 40 minutes, I have to adjust the speed back from 33.6x to 33.33. (I use WOW rpm app on my smart phone.)
The idler and eddy brake disc are all in very well working condition.
Let me know if you have any ideas?
Thanks in advance!
My Garrard 401 uses 110v 60hz and the original 50Hz pulley has been replaced by a 60 Hz pulley.
However, when I turn on the turntable, the speed is around 31.xx~32.xx at the beginning. I will have to wait about 5 minutes to let it heat up to 33.3rpm (I know that 401 has warm up time!); however, the correct 33.33 rpm only lasted about 10 minutes, the speed will increase slightly after 30 minutes~1hour, turned into 33.4X~33.7Xrpm(+0.3~0.5 rpm), and then I have to adjust it back to 33.33rpm. Is this normal? Is it very nomal due to the temperature of the motor that makes it gain more rpm from time to time?
Attached picture is a record of the speed change in 40 minutes:
as you can see in the picture, in 40 minutes, the speed changed from 33.1x to 33.6x, (+0.5 rpm in 40 minutes) is it very nomal due to the temperature of the motor that makes it gain more rpm from time to time? so that after 40 minutes, I have to adjust the speed back from 33.6x to 33.33. (I use WOW rpm app on my smart phone.)
The idler and eddy brake disc are all in very well working condition.
Let me know if you have any ideas?
Thanks in advance!
Not an expert here, but could it be lubricant reducing friction as it heats up?
Definitely sounds like a lubrication issue. I'd try cleaning the idler bushing very well first and relubricating with the correct fluid.
Dear profiguy,
Which is the correct fluid? Where should I reoil? Clean the spindle and oil it, right?
Thanks in advance.
Which is the correct fluid? Where should I reoil? Clean the spindle and oil it, right?
Thanks in advance.
Try refreshing the lubrication of the top bearing of the motor.
I use a narrow screwdriver to guide a few drops of light oil onto the motor shaft above the top bearing.
I then manipulate the motor shaft to allow the oil to penetrate into the top bearing.
I use a narrow screwdriver to guide a few drops of light oil onto the motor shaft above the top bearing.
I then manipulate the motor shaft to allow the oil to penetrate into the top bearing.
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Not an expert here either, but it seems that the motor of your Garrard 401 needs several minutes to stabilize and be properly operational and that lubrication is more suitable with a light (sewing machine type) oil than a thicker oil due to the particular alloy it is made the bearing and the fact that the TT has spindle top felt on which to insert the oil.
https://www.hifiwigwam.com/threads/oiling-a-garrard-401.44261/post-952417
http://www.world-designs.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?p=29914#post29914
However, below is the Garrard 401 service manual page regarding lubrication
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1156154/Garrard-401.html?page=8#manual
And here is a possible replacement of the spindle top felt which I would frankly replace in any case given the years that your TT will have and the low cost of that ring felt.
https://www.classichifi-shop.co.uk/product/301-401-oil-bearing-spindle-top-felt/
https://sparedparts.com/en-it/products/15688714
Edit to add: May be of interest the following pages too
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/showthread.php?t=133683
https://perfectsound.co.uk/shop/
https://www.hifiwigwam.com/threads/oiling-a-garrard-401.44261/post-952417
http://www.world-designs.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?p=29914#post29914
However, below is the Garrard 401 service manual page regarding lubrication
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1156154/Garrard-401.html?page=8#manual
And here is a possible replacement of the spindle top felt which I would frankly replace in any case given the years that your TT will have and the low cost of that ring felt.
https://www.classichifi-shop.co.uk/product/301-401-oil-bearing-spindle-top-felt/
https://sparedparts.com/en-it/products/15688714
Edit to add: May be of interest the following pages too
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/showthread.php?t=133683
https://perfectsound.co.uk/shop/
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do a proper overhaul
strip down motor, main bearing, idler assembly.
after that it should get up to full speed in 1 rev, otherwise the idler is no good.
strip down motor, main bearing, idler assembly.
after that it should get up to full speed in 1 rev, otherwise the idler is no good.
Motors have two bearings, both need checking/servicing - if they are phosphor-bronze bushings they will soak up oil into the pores quite quickly and then last for years, but eventually dry up. Once dry they will start to wear much more rapidly - so check for play in the bearings - excess play means the motor will be noisy, and can even squeal if loose enough.
BTW the slight speed up will happen anyway even if the bearings are in good condition, but with fresh oil the viscous drag when cold is more likely to be low. Both the air drag and bearing lubricant drag reduce as the motor warms up, only a synchronous motor or a speed control system with feedback is completely immune to warm-up speed change.
BTW the slight speed up will happen anyway even if the bearings are in good condition, but with fresh oil the viscous drag when cold is more likely to be low. Both the air drag and bearing lubricant drag reduce as the motor warms up, only a synchronous motor or a speed control system with feedback is completely immune to warm-up speed change.