Pioneer PL 115d auto problem

[wazhead]

Hello there,
I have just salvaged a Pioneer pl-115d and I'm nursing it back to health. While replacing the foam in the suspension, I must have done something wrong as now, the auto return seems to kick in all the time! I've taken the new foam bits out and replaced with the old ones again but still the problem persists. The only thing that stops it is if I hold down the tone arm assembly quite firmly (which is strange because this would not affect any of the mechanisms as they are all attached to this assembly alone).
I suppose this is quite a unique problem but if anyone has had a similar complaint, could you help me please as I'm ready to ditch the auto controls entirely and put a switch on the motor!

[fscl]

Was asked previously here:

viewtopic.php?f=55&t=8742&start=15

Still do not have the PL-115d service manual, however the PL-117 manual is still applicable.

Good luck and welcome to VE...

Fred

[wazhead]

Thank you for the welcome and the link. Unfortunately, I arrived at that link before and have tried what lies within. Thank you though. It is in equal amounts enjoyable and infuriating when tinkering with turntables (or anything analogue). The problem is that underneath the big cog I take off, there is a little chrome plate that a wire hits to return the arm when it approaches the spindle. The wire isn't actually hitting it! When I watch the mechanism with the cog in place (very difficult because it isn't see-through) the little chrome plate seems to move on its own! I think I have the very first haunted turntable. It's probably my fault because the first record I played on it was Stairway to Heaven. I've invoked some kind of auto-return demonic retribution.
I could do with more help or an exorcism.

[wazhead]

With a bit of Percy Vearance I managed to sort this. I put the old foam from the suspension back , leveled it, built a shelf to stabilise it from the floating floor and it started working again. Magic! Either that or it's the fact that I listen to my music with a vicar nearby. Think I'm a born tinkerer though...