Marantz CD-94 Mk1 compact disc player - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

David Pannell · 19th Jul 2017, 8:40 am

Hi everyone,

Does anyone possess one of these superb CD players; and if so, has there been a problem with the disc drawer not staying closed?

Mine has recently developed such a fault, in that I have to press the open/close button several times before the drawer will stay shut, - regardless of whether there is a disc in the drawer or not. It closes, then re-opens again almost immediately.

I have replaced all the belts, as I thought one of the drives might be slipping, but it has made no difference.

Therefore I am wondering if something has either crept out of adjustment mechanically, or is occasionally sticking.

I'm happy to do some tweaking very gingerly, but if anyone has a definitive solution to this problem, I should be most grateful!

Cheers.

Nickthedentist · 19th Jul 2017, 9:13 am

Hi Dave,

I don't know this particular machine, but if it's like most others of the same era then...

Is there a leaf switch which detects that the drawer is fully closed? If so, I would clean its contacts with a bit of card soaked in Servisol Super 10 switch cleaner.

Also, check the belts and the pulleys they run on are entirely de-greased.

N.

ukcol · 19th Jul 2017, 10:01 am

This machine does indeed use a switch to detect that the draw has closed. If the draw closure completes mechanically but opens again immediately it is likely, as Nick suggests, that the switch contacts are dirty.

David Pannell · 19th Jul 2017, 10:21 am

Thanks guys, I'll give it a shot, though having now looked at the operation of the mechanism in detail, though the drawer DOES close completely, the plastic/nylon cam on the drawer drive does not rotate completely to the detent position!

The new belts are tight and definitely are not slipping, and the pulleys etc. are completely free of any grease or lubricant.

If I give it a gentle 'helping hand', it rotates completely and the 'cam follower' then sits properly in the cam detent.

Any further thoughts!

Cheers.

Grubhead · 19th Jul 2017, 12:05 pm

Could be some muck or some slight damage to the cam. A Servisol spray should clean away any debris.
Perhaps some silicone grease might help it move normally?

Nickthedentist · 19th Jul 2017, 12:57 pm

OK then, I would clean the belts and pulleys with IPA initially.

Are the new belts man enough for the job, or are they thinner than the originals?

N.

Beobloke · 19th Jul 2017, 1:12 pm

I have one of these superb machines and they are notoriously finicky when it comes to the drawer loading belts.

If you have replaced all yours and are also confident that they are now nice and snug and not slipping, then your best bet is to strip the mechanism completely, clean all the old grease off the cogs and re-assemble with new lubricant. I had to do this with mine about 10 years ago and it has been fine ever since.

Leon Crampin · 19th Jul 2017, 1:56 pm

I'm not familiar with this machine but it appears to be of similar vintage to my Philips CD104. I had the same problem with this machine, namely that the drawer would not fully close.

After eliminating tray drive friction, slipping loading belt and intermittent limit switches, I examined the motor. There was a migration of lubricant onto the commutator from the adjacent bearing, causing a high resistance and hence low motor torque.

A clean up of the commutator and brushes effected a permanent fix.

Leon.

19th Jul 2017, 8:40 am	#1
David Pannell Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Horsham, West Sussex, UK Posts: 77	Marantz CD-94 Mk1 compact disc player Hi everyone, Does anyone possess one of these superb CD players; and if so, has there been a problem with the disc drawer not staying closed? Mine has recently developed such a fault, in that I have to press the open/close button several times before the drawer will stay shut, - regardless of whether there is a disc in the drawer or not. It closes, then re-opens again almost immediately. I have replaced all the belts, as I thought one of the drives might be slipping, but it has made no difference. Therefore I am wondering if something has either crept out of adjustment mechanically, or is occasionally sticking. I'm happy to do some tweaking very gingerly, but if anyone has a definitive solution to this problem, I should be most grateful! Cheers.

19th Jul 2017, 9:13 am	#2
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,841	Re: Marantz CD-94 Mk1 compact disc player Hi Dave, I don't know this particular machine, but if it's like most others of the same era then... Is there a leaf switch which detects that the drawer is fully closed? If so, I would clean its contacts with a bit of card soaked in Servisol Super 10 switch cleaner. Also, check the belts and the pulleys they run on are entirely de-greased. N.

19th Jul 2017, 10:01 am	#3
ukcol Rest in Peace Join Date: May 2003 Location: Harlaxton, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 3,944	Re: Marantz CD-94 Mk1 compact disc player This machine does indeed use a switch to detect that the draw has closed. If the draw closure completes mechanically but opens again immediately it is likely, as Nick suggests, that the switch contacts are dirty.

19th Jul 2017, 10:21 am	#4
David Pannell Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Horsham, West Sussex, UK Posts: 77	Re: Marantz CD-94 Mk1 compact disc player Thanks guys, I'll give it a shot, though having now looked at the operation of the mechanism in detail, though the drawer DOES close completely, the plastic/nylon cam on the drawer drive does not rotate completely to the detent position! The new belts are tight and definitely are not slipping, and the pulleys etc. are completely free of any grease or lubricant. If I give it a gentle 'helping hand', it rotates completely and the 'cam follower' then sits properly in the cam detent. Any further thoughts! Cheers.

19th Jul 2017, 12:05 pm	#5
Grubhead Heptode Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 539	Re: Marantz CD-94 Mk1 compact disc player Could be some muck or some slight damage to the cam. A Servisol spray should clean away any debris. Perhaps some silicone grease might help it move normally?

19th Jul 2017, 12:57 pm	#6
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,841	Re: Marantz CD-94 Mk1 compact disc player OK then, I would clean the belts and pulleys with IPA initially. Are the new belts man enough for the job, or are they thinner than the originals? N.

19th Jul 2017, 1:12 pm	#7
Beobloke Heptode Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Southampton, Hampshire, UK. Posts: 821	Re: Marantz CD-94 Mk1 compact disc player I have one of these superb machines and they are notoriously finicky when it comes to the drawer loading belts. If you have replaced all yours and are also confident that they are now nice and snug and not slipping, then your best bet is to strip the mechanism completely, clean all the old grease off the cogs and re-assemble with new lubricant. I had to do this with mine about 10 years ago and it has been fine ever since.

19th Jul 2017, 1:56 pm	#8
Leon Crampin Octode Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Surrey, UK. Posts: 1,870	Re: Marantz CD-94 Mk1 compact disc player I'm not familiar with this machine but it appears to be of similar vintage to my Philips CD104. I had the same problem with this machine, namely that the drawer would not fully close. After eliminating tray drive friction, slipping loading belt and intermittent limit switches, I examined the motor. There was a migration of lubricant onto the commutator from the adjacent bearing, causing a high resistance and hence low motor torque. A clean up of the commutator and brushes effected a permanent fix. Leon.