BSR Record Changer is stuck in "Off" postion - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

emlynn17 · 9th Oct 2006, 9:31 pm

I just got an old BSR record changer at a yard sale. Everything seems to have been maintained very well except I cannot move the lever from the Off to the Start or Auto postion. I have opened up the back and am still unsure as to what is sticking. I'm afraid to just yank the thing because It seems to be so stuck that the plastic would just break, ideas? thanks!

Stewart · 10th Oct 2006, 12:08 am

Welcome to the forum!

Hard to say exactly, but the grease used on many old turntables from BSR and Garrard can turn to glue after a few years and jam things pretty solid.

Have a look underneath and see what the general state of the grease is. If it seems fine you'll have to just follow the linkage through from underneath and see if you can spot the cause. It may be worth removing the turntable to see the jockey wheel is free to move between the motor and turntable rim: one of the first actions of the on/off control is to move this so it needs to be free.

Good luck!

Mike Phelan · 10th Oct 2006, 8:25 am

Hi Emlynn
Stewart's comment about the grease is very valid, and IMHO the only way to cure this completely is a total stripdown - not as difficult as it sounds.

Most of the BSRs are one of two types of mechanism, with just cosmetic differences - the earlier ones (UA8 et al) have knobs, the later UA12 and newer have levers. Yours seems like the latter.

As the "auto" lever is stuck as well as "off", and this only moves the slider that starts the velocity trip cycle, it could be that the lever itself is sticking - usually a circlip underneath the spindle.

If it has been left in the "on" position the idler probably has a flat in the rubber.

If you want to go further into it, let us have pictures with platter removed (circlip) and underside of deck, and we can stick pointers on to things for your enlightenment

.

9th Oct 2006, 9:31 pm	#1
emlynn17 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Brooklyn, New York, US Posts: 1	BSR Autochanger is stuck in "Off" postion I just got an old BSR record changer at a yard sale. Everything seems to have been maintained very well except I cannot move the lever from the Off to the Start or Auto postion. I have opened up the back and am still unsure as to what is sticking. I'm afraid to just yank the thing because It seems to be so stuck that the plastic would just break, ideas? thanks! Last edited by Darren-UK; 25th Jun 2007 at 1:36 pm. Reason: Title simplified.

10th Oct 2006, 12:08 am	#2
Stewart Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: N.E. Surrey, UK. Posts: 361	Re: Advice? BSR Record Changer is stuck in "Off" postion Welcome to the forum! Hard to say exactly, but the grease used on many old turntables from BSR and Garrard can turn to glue after a few years and jam things pretty solid. Have a look underneath and see what the general state of the grease is. If it seems fine you'll have to just follow the linkage through from underneath and see if you can spot the cause. It may be worth removing the turntable to see the jockey wheel is free to move between the motor and turntable rim: one of the first actions of the on/off control is to move this so it needs to be free. Good luck!

10th Oct 2006, 8:25 am	#3
Mike Phelan Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 4,609	Re: Advice? BSR Record Changer is stuck in "Off" postion Hi Emlynn Stewart's comment about the grease is very valid, and IMHO the only way to cure this completely is a total stripdown - not as difficult as it sounds. Most of the BSRs are one of two types of mechanism, with just cosmetic differences - the earlier ones (UA8 et al) have knobs, the later UA12 and newer have levers. Yours seems like the latter. As the "auto" lever is stuck as well as "off", and this only moves the slider that starts the velocity trip cycle, it could be that the lever itself is sticking - usually a circlip underneath the spindle. If it has been left in the "on" position the idler probably has a flat in the rubber. If you want to go further into it, let us have pictures with platter removed (circlip) and underside of deck, and we can stick pointers on to things for your enlightenment . __________________ Mike.