Favorite lubricating agents for turntables - VPI.

[etcarroll]

First - lets keep it clean. 

VPI Super Scoutmaster I bought used 2 years ago, never lubed. Mostly because the VPI manual is useless on this point. Lately it starts up, runs 30 seconds, and slowly grinds to a halt. I had 2 email exchanges with VPI, pretty much only slightly more informative than manual.

Googled my query and then found some useful info, white lithium grease to bearing, (done), and oil the motor bearing. Lots of opinions here, seems 40 weight oil is the favorite.

I'm leaning towards getting a quart of Mobil Synthetic 1 but thought I'd ask if anyone has something else they like better? Already heard, and discounted, sewing machine oil.

[jimbones]

It's all downhill from here

First - lets keep it clean. 

VPI Super Scoutmaster I bought used 2 years ago, never lubed. Mostly because the VPI manual is useless on this point. Lately it starts up, runs 30 seconds, and slowly grinds to a halt. I had 2 email exchanges with VPI, pretty much only slightly more informative than manual.

Googled my query and then found some useful info, white lithium grease to bearing, (done), and oil the motor bearing. Lots of opinions here, seems 40 weight oil is the favorite.

I'm leaning towards getting a quart of Mobil Synthetic 1 but thought I'd ask if anyone has something else they like better? Already heard, and discounted, sewing machine oil.

[BobM]

First, I assume it is the inverted bearing? If it is then you need to thoroughly clean the capstan and bearing well. Many, many Q tips and alcohol. Let it dry, then apply white lithium grease to the ball on the capstan spindle before you put the platter back on. Check that ball for flat spots first - you may want to replace it if it is overly worn.

If it is a regular cup bearing (not inverted) then same cleaning procedure, but I would advise putting about 5 or so drops of Mobile One in the bottom of the cup before putting the spindle down into it. No lithium grease here.

In general I clean my bearing once a year.

[richidoo]

Grinding to a halt, that must sound funny playing music!

If you don't find any wear or dirty oil of gummy film on the bearing then it could be the motor controller bugging out.

Sea Foam is a good safe solvent to clean any gum off of the bearing surfaces. Find it at auto parts store.

Use synthetic motor oil to prevent future gum deposits from oxidized oil.  The thinnest Mobil1 available is Mobil1 0W-20 Advanced Fuel Economy.

[etcarroll]

"First, I assume it is the inverted bearing? If it is then you need to thoroughly clean the capstan and bearing well. Many, many Q tips and alcohol. Let it dry, then apply white lithium grease to the ball on the capstan spindle before you put the platter back on. Check that ball for flat spots first - you may want to replace it if it is overly worn."

Yes - inverted. Did the qtips and alcohol till all was clean then applied fresh lithium grease. Did not check for flat spots but this is a 'case-hardened steel ball', can't believe there's much 'flat spotting' going on.

Rich - most often I'm doing something with music in background and all of a sudden I realize "hey, it's awfully quiet in here".

I'm done with the platter, my issue here is 'what's people's favorite oil for motor lubrication'? I still have to do that.

[BobM]

Just 1-2 drops of very lightweight sewing machine oil right at the base of the motor spindle should do the trick. Wipe away any excess that doesn't get absorbed in an hour

[allenzachary]

I'm done with the platter, my issue here is 'what's people's favorite oil for motor lubrication'? I still have to do that.

Stick with that Mobil One. I use it in my former fleet Ford Taurus.  She's about to turn 199,000 and the motor purrs like a kitten.  I use the extended life and run it to the full 15K recommendation.  No sludge, in fact no issues as all.

Great site for oil insight and discussion: 

www.bobistheoilguy.com

[tmazz]

When I questions the service guys atVPI about this they recommended using a few drops of Slick 50 (or similar type product.) Keep in mind that this was for my HW-19, which does not have an inverted bearing.

[machinehead]

I use KY Jelly myself. Oh and I don't own a turntable. wink wink
btw I use Mobile 1 too ... keeps the car purring and running great so far!

[S Clark]

I highly recommend a thin viscosity synthetic called "Reel Butter".  Pick it up at your sporting goods store.  I've done some inexact testing (counting # of coasting spins) and it increased spins on an old broadcast turntable from 32 rotations to 94 when compared to 3 in 1 oil.

[richidoo]

The KY is for the spindle.

[etcarroll]

ouch

The KY is for the spindle.

[jimbones]

The KY is for the spindle.

It's a slippery slope my friend.

[machinehead]

lol

[etcarroll]

lube & oil, lube & oil, lube & oil.............

white lithium grease and Mobil 1 and it's all good.

Now, I'll be on LI the 1st week of Dec. in Port Jefferson, anyplace there I can get vinyl, or will I have to get a mask and just rob TMAZZ?