Garrard sp25

[bertotait]

My wife has an sp25 which has been in storage for some time. On playing records the arm stops half way across the record.You can move the arm manually but it is against a spring. Can anybody help please? Tony

[markcass]

Hi

Probably the grease that was applied to the mechanism to lubricate it has hardened with time. You would need to lift the deck out of the plinth and support it on something while you clean the hardened grease off with solvents, and re-apply either light grease (available from Maplins) or perhaps a thin coating of oil.

The two silver-coloured bolts visible on the top plate lock the deck to the plinth for transit when fully screwed upwards (away from the plate). Underneath the plinth, you should find two holes allowing access to the other end of these bolts. There is a horizontal metal stop on the end of each one to stop the deck being lifted out (it contacts the plinth when the bolt is tightened, locking the deck in place); these are hinged on the bolt, so flip them to vertical (in line with the bolt) and you can then lift the deck out.

This will also give you the opportunity to move the arm while watching the mechanism to see where it is 'catching'.

The deck must obviously be unplugged from the mains while doing all this!

HTH

Mark

[alanomt]

Almost certainly the problem is going to be hardened grease on the trip pawl.

you will have to remove the platter and then remove the large die-cast gear to gain access.

have a look at the service manual in the library for the Garrard SL65 (which uses the same parts), or check the Garrard threads, much has been posted re this problem, it is very common.

Alan

[bertotait]

Many thanks to all replies.
Tony