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
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.
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
Do not just try to pull the platter off. I had a similar issue and the splindle was loose. Around the spindle there is a part of the cork which is removable (I used an exacto knife). Under that there are three screws. You can then see the spindle and it is anchored by two hex screws. Mine needed to be tightened, yours may too.
I will give all this a try tonight given time, and let people know. Thanks for all the help.
JHSJHS I posted a thread recently on AudioAsylum with a detailed step by step on this, in the Vinyl area, just search on vpi 16.5, it was yesterday, with detailed instructions on how to crank down the hub set screws. This is a common issue and most likely the cause of your record stopping spinning. Hope this helps.