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VPI 16.5 Problem

Hi, picked up a used VPI 16.5 here on audiogon--eventually the law of used had to catch up to me, I guess. Worked great for about a dozen albums, but since then the vacuum seems to overpower the turntable--having no knowledge of how the turntable works, it is acting like there was a loose drive belt. So, vacuum really, really works, motor for turntable works, turntable spins (though sometimes starts slowly and then speeds up to normal operating speed), but when both on, turntable stops rotating (motor continues). Any ideas before I take to a repair shop? Thanks very much.

I have 12 beautifully cleaned albums, though.
jhsjhs
bikerduud
75 posts
 
You should be able to pull it off with a firm grip.
jependleton
155 posts
 
The only thing that I've ever had go afoul in nearly 270,000 cleaning cycles with the HW-16.5 is that the screws that hold the platter shaft to the motor arbor worked loose. If the other suggestions made here for things to check to solve the problem don't work, try checking this.

You would need to tip the machine on its side and remove the bottom panel to do so. If they are loose, be sure to orient the shaft straight and vertical before you tighten them. You may also want to put a drop of Loctite on each screw before you tighten them.

Happy listening.

Jim Pendleton
Osage Audio Products, LLC
pryso
1,928 posts
 
One other tip, while you're at it. The vacuum tube can be adjusted and the slot should not point straight down (180 degree position). Per instructions I received from VPI, it should be at the 185 degree position when viewed from the spindle. Thus it will be slightly "open" to the film of liquid as the platter rotates. Also the tube should not extend more than 1/16" beyond the edge of the record.

I bought my 16.5 new and it was out of adjustment from the factory. A friend had even more problems with his new unit until it was adjusted per these instructions.
rcprince
3,070 posts
 
One other thing, the plastic nut to hold down the record needs to be put on so that the solid (as opposed to the hollow) end is facing up, not down. If you do it wrong, that will also cause the record to stop spinning. Has happened to me on occasion.
markd51
763 posts
 
A common, and easily rectifiable problem with the 16.5.

The center of the cork mat is removeable. that this carefully off. Then you will see 3 attachment screws that hold the Platter to the Motor-Platter Arbor. Remove them, and lift Platter off.

There is commonly, two Allen Locking Set Screws that hold the Platter-Motor Arbor to the actual Electrical Motor Shaft. Loosen these Allen Locking Set Screws to fist make note of the ground flat on the Motor Shaft.

You want to insure that these 2 locking screws are locked down upon the flat of the Motor Shaft to insure correct tightening of the Arbor to Motor Shaft.

Once the Arbor has been correctly positioned, and tighted to Motor Shaft, then you may re-install Platter to Arbor, re-install center cork cutout, and you're done!

This more than likely occurs, due to the heating-cooling cycles of the motors, and the screws work loose after awhile.

While toying with the machine, get familiar with it, there's noting you can really hurt. Check things like making sure Drain Hose is properly tightened to the Recovery Tank inside, and that all appears to be in order. Always make sure when doing a cleaning run, that you fully clamp the drain hose shut tight, and get in the habit of every 1/2 dozen records or so, to drain the Recovery Tank. Failure to do so, will damage the Vacuum Motor. Mark
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