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VPI Classic motor question

I have a Classic with the 600 RPM motor. The table is 2.5 yrs old. The motor started making a swooshing sound on each rotation about a year ago which continued after lubricating it. The sound could only be heard with the ear to the pulley and the speed stability seemed fine with the SDS. I lubricated the motor again about two weeks ago, including removing the pulley and cleaning the shaft, and the swoosh continued. Today I started hearing a more frequent noise that sounds like a very low friction sound. Still very low, but what the hell?

Is there is anything I can do about it at this point? I don't think putting more oil into the motor after I just lubricated it will fix it. If the speed appears to be ok, should I just ignore it? The first time I heard the noise VPI did not offer any advice beyond lubricating the motor. Is replacing the motor the only way to take care of the problem perhaps?

Any advice and feedback would be appreciated.
actusreus
andyprice44
133 posts
 
I had a similar problem. I talked to mike at VPI and he instructed be to pull the shaft upward and slide the brass collar down as far as it could go. While holding the shaft up and the collar is down, tighten the set screw. This should eliminate any vertical play in the shaft. Don't over lube the motor. Only 1 or 2 small drops of 40wt oil is needed. Let us know how it turns out.
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Thanks guys. I don't think it's the collar position. I removed the pulley and the brass collar, and the plastic washer. (Btw, the washer should be on the bottom, under the brass collar right?) So only the shaft is spinning. The noise is still there. I suppose it's small particles of dust plus excess oil that possibly are responsible. I think I probably put too much oil at this point into the motor.

I'm trying to reach Mike, but I keep missing him.
brf
1,715 posts
 
If you run the motor without the brass collar you will get noise as the motor is not positioned correctly within the assembly. Just try the brass collar with varying shaft heights...it cost nothing. If all else fails, give VPI a call.
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
I pulled the shaft all the way up and fastened the collar. The motor still makes a swooshing sound. I think the noise is a combination of dirt that made its way into the motor over time and any excess oil I applied. The speed is spot on so I'm going to stop obsessing for now and enjoy the music.

Last question: does changing the motor entail soldering? If you DIY, how do you go about it given the fact that it is located underneath the plinth? Seems like a big challenge without a professional workbench.

Thanks all.
sarcher30
596 posts
 
Should be easy to change the motor. First unplug the power supply then remove the belt, platter, and arm wand. Then turn it on it's side and remove the metal plate under the motor. The wires are not soldered. They just use wire nuts. It should be easy to figure out what wires come from the motor. Once you figure that out disconnect them and mark them with tape if need be. Then remove the screws that hold the motor in and remove the motor. Pop in the new motor which hopefully has the same colored wires and reverse the process. You could also take a picture of the wiring before disassembling it so you don't forget how it went. It is really pretty simple wiring so that is not really necessary.

Hopefully they will send instructions with the motor. If your still uncomfortable messing with it I'm sure they can do it for you if you send it back to them.

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