View Full Version : Turntables and oil


WhiteSE
09-13-2007, 01:04 PM
I just got today my Sony PS-2250...works great, but I need to lubricate the spindle shaft, and was wondering what modern oil are you guys using...I wonder if improperly lubricated TT's will have more speed fluctuations due to friction..

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/whitese/100_2909.jpg?t=1189703003

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/whitese/100_2910.jpg?t=1189703035

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/whitese/100_2911.jpg?t=1189703061

WhiteSE
09-13-2007, 01:07 PM
Can I use this? I have some at home.

http://store.caig.com/core/media/media.nl?id=1465&c=ACCT113328&h=9d94427449d85cc83090

www.records
09-13-2007, 01:40 PM
Jack, man I gotta tell ya that LP in the picture is hurtin bad. See that greying on the inner grooves? That my friend is classic groove damage from a misaligned cartridge.

Now to the question at hand. I know a lot of people in the know use Mobile 1 synthetic (not sure of what weight) on their bearings. I will do some research and post back as to what weight is recommended.

WhiteSE
09-13-2007, 01:45 PM
Hmmm....well, I havent had a 100% well aligned cart since I sold my VPI...and my kid only wants to listen to that LP...well, no, the technics had professional alignment...I think its some dirt and light trick...

BUT, you may be 100% correct also, I dont hear any distortion at all when playing it...I will have my 2 Sony's aligned by my usual guy anyway...

mobil one..one quart should last 300 years..:-)

www.records
09-13-2007, 01:48 PM
Ok, Mobile 1 synthetic 0-W-40 is what I found in my search. I have never used it myself, but from what I have read by those MUCH smarter than myself it is just the ticket. Make sure you clean off all the old stuff first and give it plenty of time (12-24 hours) to reseat. It doesn't take much, guessing just 4 drops or so.

I am sure others will pop in with their suggestions. That sure is a purdy table.

WhiteSE
09-13-2007, 01:52 PM
oh yeah, man, i cant tell you how cool when stuff arrives and it works, and it sounds good (even without optimum setup)...

I will get some oil at Walmart and report back...thank goodness someone gave me a manual...:-)

Blue Meanie
09-13-2007, 02:02 PM
NICE looking 'table!!:thmbsp: And the pics are taken 15+ years into the future. COOL.:D

Jeff

WhiteSE
09-13-2007, 02:03 PM
NICE looking 'table!!:thmbsp: And the pics are taken 15+ years into the future. COOL.:D

Jeff

LOL, that way in 2023 I can sell the TT as new..

BULLWINKLE
09-13-2007, 03:27 PM
I use Singer sewing machine oil in my Thorens. I've had no problems. My 2 cents.

Yamaha B-2
09-13-2007, 03:40 PM
Good looking TT. Been using 5W30 Mobil 1 for a while and am pleased with it.

WhiteSE
09-13-2007, 03:43 PM
Good looking TT. Been using 5W30 Mobil 1 for a while and am pleased with it.

Just use a dropper?

Yamaha B-2
09-13-2007, 03:57 PM
Sorry, but I am not familiar with the bearing constuction on the PS-2250, so I can't answer your question. With one of my TTs, there is a cap/reservoir on the bottom of the motor which is removed and about 1/2 in oz of oil added (if changing oil). On another it is a hole from the top. On the VPI it was pull out the spindle and add a few drops into the large hole and drop the spindle back in. But, don't know on yours.

bohhey
09-13-2007, 03:58 PM
better than a funnel

WhiteSE
09-13-2007, 04:03 PM
better than a funnel

I have such a nice funnel, dang it!

mhconley
09-13-2007, 04:46 PM
I use Singer sewing machine oil in my Thorens. I've had no problems. My 2 cents.

The US Thorens rep recommended sewing machine oil to me...

Martin

perryinva
09-13-2007, 04:57 PM
Yamaha-B-2...how did you oil the YP-D8? I can't find any way to get oil in there!!!

hakaplan
09-13-2007, 04:58 PM
I don't think I'd use motor oil on this. The only direct drive I know of (other than this) that recommends lubricating the spindle shaft is Technics, and their oil is similar to a light machine oil, like sewing machine oil. My understanding was that motor oil was for the heavy belt drive shafts.

lplover
09-13-2007, 06:45 PM
You can still buy Technics oil at KABUSA.

WhiteSE
09-13-2007, 06:56 PM
i might try the Singers oil...I gotta figuure out if kmart/walmart has any.

snowdownunder
09-13-2007, 07:08 PM
I've been thinking about lubricating the bearing in my 21 year old Rega P2.:scratch2: I have come across the black oil on a ebay store, has anyone ever heard of it or used it? Cost about 6 pounds and comes with instructions.
Is mobile1 0W/40 a good alternative?
The instruction manual for the rega states "not to lift the centre hub out from the main bearing or it may disturb a film of special thick lubricant" dosen't say what it is or life expendance of the lubricate or bearing. I'm not sure what's the best thing to do, TT is sounding great and I don't want to make a good thing worst.

Sorry I can't do the link

snow

totem
09-13-2007, 08:28 PM
All oils have a viscosity rating, whether it is shown or listed is generally a function of the market the product was intended for. Synthetic oils are better
for harsh applications, whether you deem TT use applicable is your choice. Oil sold specifically for bearing lubrication in commercial use, does have additional additives for preventing oxidation and viscosity breakdown.
That sounds like a commercial for
the oil in my car!
So, a light oil that is of a good quality will generally be fine for
"most" TTs but not for all. Example Garrard 301,s that are grease style, and other heavy viscosity TT,s
What I use in belt drive, removable spindle TT,s is a light weight oil sold for use in sleeve bearing pump and motor drives. This oil is generally used in "oil light" type bearings and is light weight, but made to handle high temps and does have a constant use rating.
Any boiler and heating company will have this for the maintenance of oil bearing type pumps and motors. It also is very inexpensive.
Yes I do have a background in HVAC and a life time supply of oil.
Note, direct drive TT,s that have a ball bearing drive are not the same application.

WhiteSE
09-13-2007, 08:32 PM
thats interesting stuff..i will check the manual and maybe post the oil addition system for my TT's....

Yamaha B-2
09-13-2007, 09:01 PM
Yamaha-B-2...how did you oil the YP-D8? I can't find any way to get oil in there!!!Remove the platter and any other items that might fall off, tie the TA down, close the dustcover and set it upside-down on a flat surface covered with something soft like a towel to prevent scratches. Remove the bottom plate to expose the bottom of the motor. Has three screws holding a cap in the middle of the bottom of the motor. I say that based on the YP-D10, which is the one I've done recently enough to remember. I believe the YP-D8 is the same.

perryinva
09-13-2007, 10:24 PM
It was the plastic cap on the bottom I was unsure of. I'd hate to take it off and have some springs pop out or brushes go BOING!!

BULLWINKLE
09-13-2007, 10:24 PM
Check out a fabric store to find the sewing machine oil.

clydeselsor
09-13-2007, 10:32 PM
WhiteSE, that is a beautiful system you got there!!

Yamaha B-2
09-14-2007, 05:42 AM
It was the plastic cap on the bottom I was unsure of. I'd hate to take it off and have some springs pop out or brushes go BOING!!Guess I like to live dangerously. :D There was nothting in there but a rubber seal and oil on the YP-D10.

Paul C
09-14-2007, 09:56 AM
Check out a fabric store to find the sewing machine oil.


Duh... of course!

And guys, gen-u-wine Singer Oil.

Ever hear "it runs like a sewing machine"? Sewing machines run smooth because of Singer Oil.

I use it for key oil on my saxophones.

Nailer
09-14-2007, 07:09 PM
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away Harry Weisfeld recommended Mobil 1 for my HW-19, a belt driven TT.

Jim Eck
09-15-2007, 07:23 AM
I use FP-10 on my Fairchild and my TD-160. http://autorefrigerants.com/co00023.htm


Jim

totem
09-15-2007, 12:50 PM
Jim thats an interesting product.

Jim Eck
09-15-2007, 04:18 PM
I've found it to be a good lubricant for a lot of applications.


Jim

Blue Meanie
09-15-2007, 06:25 PM
I've found it to be a good lubricant for a lot of applications.


Jim

Kinky!:thmbsp:

Jeff

0luke1
09-15-2007, 06:58 PM
I use Mobil 1 on my turntable, firearms and Cadillac STS-V (9 quart sump).

Jim Eck
09-15-2007, 07:01 PM
Kinky!:thmbsp:

Jeff

:no:Not one you might have in mind.:banana::D And I doubt Mobile 1 would be good for that either.:nono::D

Jim

OvenMaster
10-17-2007, 02:30 AM
Perfect timing for this. I followed Dual's recommendation for 10W-30 motor oil (I had Valvoline on hand) for the motor and platter (first lube in 26 years... I'm not proud) in December 2006.
Tom

niklasthedol
10-17-2007, 05:24 AM
I use bearing grease from my time in motorcycle roadraces.
My Turntable is beltdriven and if I use thin lubricants, you will be able to hear the motornoise/rummel.
Most TT motors won't be happy with as little resistans as possible like the thin sewingmachine lubricants will offer.

The actual opening question is not for me to answer. I don't know the turntable enough to say if lubricants might flow down in to the motor and ruin it or what bearing material is used etc.

"dolph"

mdelrossi
10-17-2007, 10:09 AM
VPI 19mklll
Slick 50 mixed 50/50 with Tufoil.

gogofast
10-18-2007, 12:26 AM
are you supposed to lubricate the bottom spindle, too? or just drop on the bottom of the spindle hole to lubricate bearing alone?

OvenMaster
10-18-2007, 01:13 AM
Depends on how the platter's set up. On mine, I just put a couple drops down the side of the spindle from up above, spin it a few times, and that's it. Other TTs will differ.
Tom

Vinyl-Addict
10-18-2007, 05:00 PM
I've been thinking about lubricating the bearing in my 21 year old Rega P2.:scratch2: I have come across the black oil on a ebay store, has anyone ever heard of it or used it? Cost about 6 pounds and comes with instructions.
Is mobile1 0W/40 a good alternative?
The instruction manual for the rega states "not to lift the centre hub out from the main bearing or it may disturb a film of special thick lubricant" dosen't say what it is or life expendance of the lubricate or bearing. I'm not sure what's the best thing to do, TT is sounding great and I don't want to make a good thing worst.

Sorry I can't do the link

snow

Rega recommends Hypoy 80/90 gear oil. Castrol makes it.

imready
10-19-2007, 01:01 AM
i read somewhere that synthetic replaces meny of the different oils dual recommends when servicing thier tables. i use a 6" long stick aboth the diameter of a toothpick to apply the oil. that way i can get the oil into hard to reach places if necessary and can control the amout of oil easier than a dropper.

lplover
10-19-2007, 10:35 AM
You can probably buy it at Walmart. I have two Technics DDs, so I use Technics oil from KABUSA. I assume that sewing machine oil is also good.

Switchblade
10-19-2007, 05:47 PM
I've been using Tri-Flow with teflon. Extremely light but great lube and comes in small two ounce bottle with the long straw nozzle. I also use it on old miniature motors and bearings that haven't been used for years. Gets them going without damage.MILITEC for the heavier jobs.

Doug Olitsky
10-19-2007, 05:48 PM
mobil-1 5w30

niklasthedol
10-19-2007, 06:18 PM
I've been using Tri-Flow with teflon. Extremely light but great lube and comes in small two ounce bottle with the long straw nozzle. I also use it on old miniature motors and bearings that haven't been used for years. Gets them going without damage.MILITEC for the heavier jobs.

Big problem comming for your TT.
Teflon stiffens up over time.

Better throw out that TT and buy another.
:-)

"dolph"

Yamaha B-2
10-19-2007, 07:08 PM
I've been using Tri-Flow with teflon. Extremely light but great lube and comes in small two ounce bottle with the long straw nozzle.Tri-Flow is also a favorite with bicycle folks. Can often be found at your local bicycle shop.

astumpe
10-19-2007, 08:25 PM
i just got a revolver turntable. the guy i got it from said it should be oiled, but i didn't ask him what to use. so any help would be appreciated. he said it just went in the spindel hole.

koseltri
10-20-2007, 02:52 PM
I use Castrol LubeCon thin/dry film lubricant and am very happy with it. A very low viscosity oil with Moly Disulfide. Used to be called Drop L' Do. A mech. engineer friend of mine gave me a 1 oz. sample bottle of it years ago, and when I tried to get another, The folks at Castrol told me the don't sell retail, but were kind enough to send me two bottles (normally sold in cases of 100 for promo purposes). Very high film strength, I have found it to be fantastic for platter bearings, as it takes very little. You might be able to find a re-seller.

http://www.castrol.com/castrol/productdetailmin.do?categoryId=82958740&contentId=6005249