Topic: 1979 Pioneer PL400 turntable finally ready for the dumpster?

[OldNeumanntapr]

I just noticed the other day that my 1979 Pioneer PL400 direct drive turntable seems to have a motor problem. I don't use it much at all these days but the other day when I tried to play an LP it had EXTREME speed issues.

Trying to find / repair a motor for a 43-year-old turntable might be an excerise in futility, but it's been a good friend over the years and I thought I'd ask here if anyone had any ideas.

Possibly the best (only?) recourse might be to just replace it.

If so, any recomendations? Don't need anything that is super expensive but just a good replacement.

Thanks,

ONT-

[wvmaine]

I have two of the Fluance turntables.  I had the rt81 and I liked it so much I bought the upgrade rt85 so I wouldn't have to keep moving the other one from room to room. As far as turntables go very affordable. Worth a look.

[audBall]

I have an old Sansui SR-838 direct drive that my grandfather originally purchased. I took ownership of it years ago after it had sat in storage for a number of years. It also had wonky speed issues, so my "fix" was to turn it on and let it spin for about a day or two straight. It's worked great ever since. Probably not the technical solution you're looking for, but it may be worth a shot.

[raymonda]

Talk to me! I have 2 tables for sale.

[botz]

I have 2 tables for sale.

I have no idea what those are, but they are gorgeous.

[raymonda]

These are custom built table that I made. Thank you for the complement. Great sound can look great, too!

[relefunt]

I wonder if you may have considered giving the turntable a little lubrication. Sometimes it can turn quite nasty over time.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aSPf5kejOaQ#dialog

[OldNeumanntapr]

Good point. I will look into the lubrication idea.

[bhtoque]

Good point. I will look into the lubrication idea.

odds are good you can find manual/service docs on vinylengine.com

JAson

[DavidPuddy]

Hopefully you haven't trashed this turntable. It could be one of a few things...

Spindle and other parts need hardened grease cleaned & regreased/oiled
Capacitors need replacing on the speed control board
etc

I'm not familiar with this model but those are the common issues with the PL-530, which I own.

[OldNeumanntapr]

I took (someone's) advice and let the platter turn for a few hours one evening. After removing the rubber mat from the platter I noticed that there was oil splashed up underneath, from the center.

It seems to be working fine now so I am happy. It doesn't get a lot of use, just every once in a while when I get the urge to play an LP.

Thanks for the advice,

ONT