Collaro RC-456 giving me fits!

[back-2-mono]

It simply refuses to shut off after the last record drops.
The lever in the following pic is supposed to latch into the space at the far end of the slot but it just doesn't travel far enough to do it.
If I pop it in manually then it will shut off however, it won't release once a new play cycle is initiated...Gah!

[William]

I'm not much help as I have three Collaro changers that need service. Having said that, could it be a lube problem?

Bill

[back-2-mono]

Hi Bill,
I've disassembled, de-greased, serviced the chattering motor, fixed the not dropping records problem re-lubed and re-greased where appropriate.
Still no bueno with this issue.
I first thought that the rod connecting the main drive gear to the tonearm mech area was just plain worn out where it pivots but there really isn't that much play at the two pivot points.
Oy..

[William]

Do you have, and maybe you have already done this, a way to suspend the changer so you can actually watch it cycle and not shut off. There maybe something that is just being missed that watching may solve. I have an issue right now with a Webcor changer that won't shut off after the last record. I finally suspended the changer and watched. I now know the problem, but not sure how to fix it.

Bill

[William]

I forgot, do you have the manual on this changer?

Bill

[back-2-mono]

I not only have it suspended off the bench but I've also placed mirrors around it and watched this monster cycle 'til I'm blue in the face.
The only manual I've been able to locate is the one from Sams. It does mention the symptoms it's having but the only remedy mentioned is to clean and oil the overarm so it drops down and lowers that slotted lever...been there, done that.

[electra225]

I am the LAST person to give advice on how to fix a changer, but.....

I was an auto mechanic for years. I wonder if there is a bit of wear in the lever that drops down over the arm that slides. Perhaps a touch with a file or some emery cloth would clean it up a bit. Then maybe some phono lube to help it slide better? Just a thought. Good luck.

[William]

You mentioned you have the Sam's for the 456, and so do I. But here is another piece of service info I want to pass along to you. It may or may not help but at least it's another reference.

file:///C:/Users/William/Downloads/Magnavox%20Custom-Collaro%20Conquest%20Turntable%20(1).pdf

The other thing I want to mention is, sometimes once, twice, or even three times is not enough when doing a changer service. I had a VM changer that gave me fits. It worked beautifully until it needed to trip at the end of a record. It just sat there with the tone arm going back and forth. I bet I took it apart 10 times trying to figure out what was going on. I could flip the trip trigger by hand and it worked just fine, or so I thought. I finally decided that still had to be the problem and cleaned it again which was probably the sixth time. First, PB Blaster letting it soak over night. Then I sprayed the heck out of it with tuner cleaner, and then I rinsed it with alcohol. That took care of it, and it works flawlessly. I guess there must have been just a little something, that was just enough, to let it not trip. This could be the same thing your are experiencing.

Just in case your Sam's is a different version than the one I have, here's mine:

file:///C:/Users/William/Downloads/Magnavox%20-%20Collaro%20RC456%20Service%20Manual%20(1).pdf

Bill

[back-2-mono]

Hi Bill,
Thanks for your post.
When I hover over your two files, a hand doesn't appear that would allow me to download..
Gary

[electra225]

Try to copy and paste, then open it on your PC.

[William]

Gary, if you copy and paste, as Greg suggested, in the Google box it does open, at least it did for me. Let me know if you did not have success and I will try something else.

Bill

[back-2-mono]

I had to take a break from this monster. Especially since I Had to have the cycling wheel re-surfaced once the rubber on it fell apart.
Still can't figure out how to do cut and paste. I'm on the lookout for a copy of the book "cut and paste for dummies"...

[electra225]

Right click on what you are wanting. When the box appears, click on "copy". Then go where you want to put it then right click. When the box appears, click on "paste". It may appear as a link. Open it. Good luck.

[back-2-mono]

Now I have twins!

Well, I picked up another 456 to use as a parts unit to try and finish up the other Monster that refuses to shut off after the last record.
The one on the left is the donor player. It's completely frozen up. My work is cut out for me now..Sheesh.
Back to the bench...

[electra225]

That is one of the fun parts of this hobby. When you have something that is broke, you buy a parts until, then you have TWO broke things!

Good luck, Gary. There are guys on here who could maybe give you some hints if you need them. My fix is to cuss, then shoot it with WD-40. You may have already tried that.......

[Firedome]

Two broke things... so true! LOL
When back against the wall I break out the AeroKroil: "penetrates one-millionth of an inch" and it does, it'll get something unstuck when nothing else will, got me out of many a jam.

[back-2-mono]

I just might end up breaking out the sledge hammer. Then I can tell the customer that both changers are BER!

[back-2-mono]

Never heard of AeroKroil. I'll look into that..

[William]

Me either, I need to check it out too.

Bill

[back-2-mono]

I just now ordered a can of it.
Boy, that stuff is expensive!