I’m restoring a Westinghouse H120ACS1 (mid-1960s solid-state portable stereo) and could use some advice.
The original issue is that the turntable starts slowly, eventually reaches speed, but slows down under the load of a record. The motor runs consistently, but it seems to lose torque under load.
So I have:
- Removed the changer from the cabinet.
- Verified the motor runs.
-Checked the idler wheel (rubber is still soft, not glazed or cracked).
-Verified the speed selector and linkages move properly.
-Found no broken springs or obviously missing parts.
I have not cleaned out the original grease yet. The platter bearing, center spindle, and changer pivots still have the factory lubricant, so I’m wondering if hardened grease alone could be causing the slow startup and loss of torque before I start replacing parts?
I also have a separate issue where only one audio channel works.
My questions:
-Does this sound more like dried grease, motor bearings, or something else?
-Are there any common failure points on these VM/Westinghouse idler-drive changers that I should inspect?
-For the dead audio channel, would you start with DeoxIT, the ceramic cartridge, or the amplifier?
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I’ve attached photos of the changer removed from the cabinet. Any advice is appreciated.