AudioNervosa

Systemic Development => Analog Devices => Topic started by: etcarroll on November 08, 2013, 04:40:03 AM

Title: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: etcarroll on November 08, 2013, 04:40:03 AM
First - lets keep it clean.  :shock:

VPI Super Scoutmaster I bought used 2 years ago, never lubed. Mostly because the VPI manual is useless on this point. Lately it starts up, runs 30 seconds, and slowly grinds to a halt. I had 2 email exchanges with VPI, pretty much only slightly more informative than manual.

Googled my query and then found some useful info, white lithium grease to bearing, (done), and oil the motor bearing. Lots of opinions here, seems 40 weight oil is the favorite.

I'm leaning towards getting a quart of Mobil Synthetic 1 but thought I'd ask if anyone has something else they like better? Already heard, and discounted, sewing machine oil.
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: jimbones on November 08, 2013, 05:01:52 AM

It's all downhill from here :rofl:

Quote from: etcarroll on November 08, 2013, 04:40:03 AM
First - lets keep it clean.  :shock:

VPI Super Scoutmaster I bought used 2 years ago, never lubed. Mostly because the VPI manual is useless on this point. Lately it starts up, runs 30 seconds, and slowly grinds to a halt. I had 2 email exchanges with VPI, pretty much only slightly more informative than manual.

Googled my query and then found some useful info, white lithium grease to bearing, (done), and oil the motor bearing. Lots of opinions here, seems 40 weight oil is the favorite.

I'm leaning towards getting a quart of Mobil Synthetic 1 but thought I'd ask if anyone has something else they like better? Already heard, and discounted, sewing machine oil.
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: BobM on November 08, 2013, 05:59:09 AM
First, I assume it is the inverted bearing? If it is then you need to thoroughly clean the capstan and bearing well. Many, many Q tips and alcohol. Let it dry, then apply white lithium grease to the ball on the capstan spindle before you put the platter back on. Check that ball for flat spots first - you may want to replace it if it is overly worn.

If it is a regular cup bearing (not inverted) then same cleaning procedure, but I would advise putting about 5 or so drops of Mobile One in the bottom of the cup before putting the spindle down into it. No lithium grease here.

In general I clean my bearing once a year.
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: richidoo on November 08, 2013, 06:20:18 AM
Grinding to a halt, that must sound funny playing music!

If you don't find any wear or dirty oil of gummy film on the bearing then it could be the motor controller bugging out.

Sea Foam is a good safe solvent to clean any gum off of the bearing surfaces. Find it at auto parts store.

Use synthetic motor oil to prevent future gum deposits from oxidized oil.  The thinnest Mobil1 available is Mobil1 0W-20 Advanced Fuel Economy.
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: etcarroll on November 08, 2013, 08:17:49 AM
"First, I assume it is the inverted bearing? If it is then you need to thoroughly clean the capstan and bearing well. Many, many Q tips and alcohol. Let it dry, then apply white lithium grease to the ball on the capstan spindle before you put the platter back on. Check that ball for flat spots first - you may want to replace it if it is overly worn."

Yes - inverted. Did the qtips and alcohol till all was clean then applied fresh lithium grease. Did not check for flat spots but this is a 'case-hardened steel ball', can't believe there's much 'flat spotting' going on.

Rich - most often I'm doing something with music in background and all of a sudden I realize "hey, it's awfully quiet in here".

I'm done with the platter, my issue here is 'what's people's favorite oil for motor lubrication'? I still have to do that.
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: BobM on November 08, 2013, 10:02:48 AM
Just 1-2 drops of very lightweight sewing machine oil right at the base of the motor spindle should do the trick. Wipe away any excess that doesn't get absorbed in an hour
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: allenzachary on November 09, 2013, 07:25:55 AM
Quote from: etcarroll on November 08, 2013, 08:17:49 AM

I'm done with the platter, my issue here is 'what's people's favorite oil for motor lubrication'? I still have to do that.

Stick with that Mobil One. I use it in my former fleet Ford Taurus.  She's about to turn 199,000 and the motor purrs like a kitten.  I use the extended life and run it to the full 15K recommendation.  No sludge, in fact no issues as all.

Great site for oil insight and discussion: 

www.bobistheoilguy.com (http://www.bobistheoilguy.com)
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: tmazz on November 12, 2013, 06:55:56 AM
When I questions the service guys atVPI about this they recommended using a few drops of Slick 50 (or similar type product.) Keep in mind that this was for my HW-19, which does not have an inverted bearing.
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: machinehead on November 12, 2013, 01:31:09 PM
I use KY Jelly myself. Oh and I don't own a turntable. wink wink
btw I use Mobile 1 too ... keeps the car purring and running great so far!
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: S Clark on November 12, 2013, 02:47:34 PM
I highly recommend a thin viscosity synthetic called "Reel Butter".  Pick it up at your sporting goods store.  I've done some inexact testing (counting # of coasting spins) and it increased spins on an old broadcast turntable from 32 rotations to 94 when compared to 3 in 1 oil.
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: richidoo on November 12, 2013, 02:56:54 PM
The KY is for the spindle. ;)
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: etcarroll on November 12, 2013, 03:54:12 PM
ouch

Quote from: richidoo on November 12, 2013, 02:56:54 PM
The KY is for the spindle. ;)
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: jimbones on November 12, 2013, 05:48:56 PM
Quote from: richidoo on November 12, 2013, 02:56:54 PM
The KY is for the spindle. ;)

It's a slippery slope my friend. :lol:
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: machinehead on November 13, 2013, 12:53:54 PM
lol
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: etcarroll on November 14, 2013, 10:41:25 AM
lube & oil, lube & oil, lube & oil.............

white lithium grease and Mobil 1 and it's all good.

Now, I'll be on LI the 1st week of Dec. in Port Jefferson, anyplace there I can get vinyl, or will I have to get a mask and just rob TMAZZ?
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: jimbones on November 14, 2013, 12:45:27 PM
Noboday has a bigger selection than Mazz 8-[

Quote from: etcarroll on November 14, 2013, 10:41:25 AM
lube & oil, lube & oil, lube & oil.............

white lithium grease and Mobil 1 and it's all good.

Now, I'll be on LI the 1st week of Dec. in Port Jefferson, anyplace there I can get vinyl, or will I have to get a mask and just rob TMAZZ?
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: Triode Pete on November 14, 2013, 01:49:03 PM
Quote from: etcarroll on November 14, 2013, 10:41:25 AM
lube & oil, lube & oil, lube & oil.............

white lithium grease and Mobil 1 and it's all good.

Now, I'll be on LI the 1st week of Dec. in Port Jefferson, anyplace there I can get vinyl, or will I have to get a mask and just rob TMAZZ?

Just rob tmazz!
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: etcarroll on November 14, 2013, 02:07:51 PM
Quote from: jimbones on November 14, 2013, 12:45:27 PM
Noboday has a bigger selection than Mazz 8-[

Be careful with such a bold assertion, I've been to the Pumpkin lair, that's a vast universe of vinyl.
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: StereoNut on November 14, 2013, 07:34:53 PM
Quote from: etcarroll on November 14, 2013, 10:41:25 AM
lube & oil, lube & oil, lube & oil.............

white lithium grease and Mobil 1 and it's all good.

Now, I'll be on LI the 1st week of Dec. in Port Jefferson, anyplace there I can get vinyl, or will I have to get a mask and just rob TMAZZ?

If they're still there (?) this may be the closest place.

Long Island Record Exchange
275 Larkfield Rd
East Northport, NY 11731, United States of America
Phone: 631-486-3711
Fax: 631-486-3712
Email: livinylexchange@yahoo.com

SN
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: tmazz on November 14, 2013, 11:49:40 PM
Quote from: etcarroll on November 14, 2013, 10:41:25 AM
Now, I'll be on LI the 1st week of Dec. in Port Jefferson, anyplace there I can get vinyl, or will I have to get a mask and just rob TMAZZ?

Mr Cheapo in Commack:

2020 Jericho Turnpike
(In Mayfair Shopping Cener)
Commack, NY 11725
631.543.8686
https://www.mrcheapocds.com/ (https://www.mrcheapocds.com/)

Or

Infinity Records in Massapequa Park (Although their hours may not be good for you)

510 Park Boulevard
Massapequa Park, NY 11762
(516)-221-0634
www.infinityrecords.net (http://www.infinityrecords.net)
Title: Re: Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.
Post by: tmazz on November 15, 2013, 12:12:32 AM
And just for the record, my favorite lubricating agents have nothng to do with TTs.  8)