Thorens TD-166 Mkii - constant belt slipping

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Hey guys, I recently picked up a TD166 mkii and I've noticed that the belt on this thing slips constantly. I don't know enough about this record player but is this normal? It's gotten to the point where I can't even play 45s. I have to take the platter off and reset the belt every single time but once I reassemble it (even being extremely careful when placing the platter back on) the belt instantly slips off when switching it to 45 rpm. Is there anything I can do to fix this so I'm not taking the record player apart every 5 minutes? I don't want to have to get rid of this as it's a gorgeous record player but if I can't play 45s on it without having to take it apart 20 times it's obviously not that practical to keep it as my go to record player.
 
The belt on your unit just might be the original belt. It is normal for these very elastic drive belts to stretch over time and with use. They will also decompose with enough time spent in the atmosphere. This is the most likely cause of your belt slippage problem.

Basic rule, replace the Thorens drive belt every 3 years or thereabouts.

Further notes on replacement belts for Thorens players. Thorens equipped their suspended belt drive players, like your TD166, with a very elastic belt. Most aftermarket belts being offered today are not even close to the correct elasticity. Consequently, you will find them fitting too tight. And when this happens it puts enough tension on the motor shaft to cause the motor to vibrate excessively into the chassis. Result, lackluster sound.

If you would like to avoid this, buy the genuine replacement belt from a Thorens dealer. Correct spec belts are still available for Thorens. They are not exactly cheap, but they are correct.

-Steve
 
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