Dual 1015 not working in auto mode anymore

[jatran4]

I just got a Dual 1015 from an old console unit. It was working fine in both manual and automatic mode. But, it after I lubricated it and cleaned the plate, it stopped working in automatic mode (still works in manual mode). It seems that in auto mode, that the arm lifts and the spinning wants to start but it just won't catch. Please help as I am a novice and could really use the advice. Thank you.

[alfonsol]

If the spinning starts, but the tonearm go up and down and the stops it's the steurepimpel. it's an easy fix, search for steuerpimpel.

if the platter do not move, or only tries to move, you have a problem with the power switch not engaging in automatic.
When you move the tonearm manually, the tonearm engages the power switch, when you move the tonearm to the rest position the tonearm disengages the power switch.
When you turn on with the start knob, the start knob engages the power switch, and it must remain engaged until the tonearm moves, and the the tonearm retains the power switch in the engaged position. usually this is only matter of sdjustement.
unfortunately i don't know the 1015 and the service manual is in german, so i can't help you more
regards, Alfonso

[jatran4]

Alfonso,

Thank you for your reply regarding my dual 1015. It seems that when I switch the lever to start the tone arm will go up and the plate starts to spin but then slows down and stops. It will just sit like that until I give it a little "push" then everything will go. You mentioned that it might need some adjustments. I am a novice to turntables so I am not sure what adjustments you are referring to. Could you please specify? Also, you mentioned it might be the steurepimpel which I am planning to look into. Thank you for your help.

[Doug G.]

There is no steuerpimpel in the 1015.

Your symptoms indicate you need to inspect, clean, and/or replace the platter drive components like the idler wheel. There is increased torque requirement during cycling and the idler is not driving the platter.

Remove the platter, see if the rubber on the idler is nice and pliable and, if so, clean it well and also the drive surface of the inside of the platter rim.

While the platter is off, operate the speed change lever and make sure the mechanism operates freely and that the idler is pulled outward by the spring in each speed position.

Doug

[jatran4]

Thanks Doug. I think that you might be right. I cleaned the wheel and it seems to be working better but not all the time. Sometimes the plate still needs a little push to get everything going in auto mode. Does it need to be treated with some re-grip?

Joe

[Hugues TR4]

Joe,

Try taking the idler wheel off and make it turn for a few second against a piece of sanding paper (grit 400) to restore the grip of the rubber wheel.
I used my Dremel (or any hand drill), securing a piece of sanding paper on my bench, and turning the rubber on it.
You could also apply the sanding paper against the idler while running the motor for about thirty seconds.
Should improve the contact with the platter, which should be completely grease free.
Hope this helps!

Cheers,

Hugh.

[Doug G.]

Good advice Hugh.

The heavy platters on Duals demand that the idler wheel rim, platter rim, motor pulley, and other components in the chain be absolutely perfect. Friction is of utmost importance.

If the rim of the idler is glazed, it won't drive the platter but will slip on it and on the motor pulley. Hugh's method removes the hard, glazed surface.

Also, the spring which pulls the idler into the platter must be in good shape.

Doug

[jatran4]

Thanks for the advice guys. I have tried sanding the wheel but that has not helped. So, I have ordered some Re-grip to see if I can get the idler wheel to work a little better.

Joe

[alfonsol]

Hi,

it seems to be the idler wheel. I know better the 12xx series, but never dissassembled a 10xx.
If the re-grip don't work, look carefully if the surface of the wheel is even, it should not be flat spots on it.

[Alec124c41]

Also make sure the pivot of the idler swing arm is not stiff.

Cheers,
Alec

[jatran4]

Thank you everyone! I took the idler wheel off and of course it had small indentations from sitting around for awhile without use. So, I put it on a drill and used 400 grit sandpaper to grind it down (still has slight indents but I didn't want to grind it too much). I then treated with Re-Grip and now the automatic mode is working again with the single spindle. It still has trouble moving with the multiple record spindle but I guess that might be another fix. Thanks everyone again.

Joe