401 problem

[F575M]

Hello,

I trust this message reaches you all in good spirits.

In 2021, I received my 401, rebuilt by Ray Clark of the Classic Turntable Company and set up by Angus MacDonald in a custom-ordered plinth from Carl Ellis.

The deck functioned flawlessly for 2 years until early 2023, when I ceased using my system to care for my wife. It has been an extremely difficult time. It hasn't been used in over 3 years and has remained untouched in my armoire.

Today, I chose to try out the Garrard. It was just a straightforward task to check if everything was functioning correctly, but sadly, something malfunctioned when I powered it up.

When clicking on 45, the speed did not change. It consistently stayed at 33. Clicking on 78 functioned well. After several repeated attempts, it now fails to align with a particular speed; it rotates like a potentiometer without stops, allowing for a smooth, continuous spin back and forth.


Image 2 displays the selector set at 33 RPM, with the strobe positioned at the lower mark, indicating accuracy. However, in picture number 3, the selector indicates 45 RPM while the strobe mark stays at 33 RPM. It isn't aligned with the center row. It has been an extremely difficult time.


Would you be willing to offer a few quick troubleshooting tips or pointers on how I might resolve this?

Regards,

Horacio

[F575M]

Sorry, images 1 and 2.

[Macca]

These threads have some suggestions as to resolving speed issues with the 401

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=162442

https://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/in...?topic=49278.0

In particular the magnet on the eddy current brake can weaken in strength with the passage of time, and that might cause the issue.

[Patrick Dixon]

It just sounds like the knob has come loose. There's probably a grub screw, but someone will know.

Do you hear any clunks as you change speeds? It's a mechanical process that moves the idler up and down the stepped motor pulley so it makes a fair clunk when you change speeds.

You should be able to lift the platter off (it might be quite tight) and then you will see if the mechanism is moving as you operate the switch.

[Chas B]

As above or the pulley has come loose on the spindle maybe? You should be able to check with the platter removed. Just re-read the first post... almost certainly a case of loose knob ooh-er!

[Barry]

I'm inclined to agree with the above: that the control knob has become loose on the shaft of the speed change mechanism, and is stuck on the lowest speed (33 rpm), yet does not explain why in changing the speed to 78 rpm it is operational.