I was wondering if anyone had any information about the RCA Victor 45-EY-3 that I just purchased. I haven't taken it apart yet, but when I plug it in it has a loud humming and when I try to play a record the arm won't go over onto the record correctly and the sound is very very low. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Hi! I am a newbie here but I did recap my first chassis recently. I think the first thing the experts around here will tell you is...do not plug it in again until after you have recapped the chassis! If you have never worked on a phonograph before I am sure someone can chime in and guide you somewhat. I am not at my computer but I did mine by watching you tube videos and also using a thread on here by moses_007 where he does a full step by step restoration including pics.

Good luck to you and welcome aboard!

Thank you for the info. I'll try to find that video. I'm new at this too, have a lot to learn!

Your phono is almost 60 years old, and the behavior is exactly what you would expect of a phono in need of restoration. I will outline the general steps to restoration, making the comment that there may be additional steps involved in specific cases. This is only an outline to let you know what is ahead -- ask for more information on each step as you get involved in it.

1) Remove turntable and amplifier, clean out all dust and loose dirt. Be careful not to damage speaker which is now exposed.

2) Obtain proper schematic for amplifier (in your case there is a chassis number printed on amplifier RS-xxx) and service manual for turntable (RP-190 in your case).

3) Identify replacements for electrolytic and paper capacitors. Mica, ceramic disk, dipped, and polypropylene types may be left in place (I think your unit has one mica capacitor but the rest need to go).

4) Measure all resistors and order replacements for any more than 20% over their proper value. In the case of power resistors (brown hollow tubes or gray ceramic blocks) make sure the leads are secure and not about to snap off. Test tubes. Order capacitors, tubes, and resistors as needed.

5) While waiting for parts, disassemble turntable, clean off all old grease, remove idler wheel (and in your case cycling cam) and send out for rebuilding. Order new motor grommets (and in your case, rubber turntable mounting cones).

6) If cartridge is crystal type (yours is) then it is dead. Order new cartridge.

7) Disassemble motor, clean motor bearings, reassemble and re-lubricate motor. Re-install in turntable with new motor grommets.

8) Lightly re-lubricate turntable and reassemble with new cycling cam and idler wheel.

9) Replace capacitors and resistors in amplifier. Check all wiring carefully. Be careful to install new resistors and capacitors in the same location as original. Electrolytic capacitors may be installed nearby the original can if present, if they won't fit back into the can.

10) Install new cartridge, check and adjust tracking pressure.

11) Test amplifier before reassembling into cabinet. Measure voltages at tube sockets and compare to values on schematic to make sure they are close.

12) Thoroughly clean and polish cabinet, and install amplifier and turntable (in your case with new rubber mounting cones.)

13) Enjoy your phono, which now looks and works like new.

-David

David, you are awesome! I am working on a 45EY2 as we "write" (speak? Lol). I am going to print your post as a check list!

Wow! Didn't expect so many steps, maybe it would be cheaper to just order the kit? Now I wonder if I got a deal on this phono??

It really does seem like a lot...I know! I was terrified to cut my first wire and then the soldering. I couldn't believe I actually did it! My first...which I am still working on ended up having a LOT of rust inside and I had to take the whole thing apart. It definitely is turning out to be a lot of work.

I think the videos I watched on Youtube were by someone named "fortyfiveplayer". try looking that up.

If you would like to do this as a hobby, go for it! You can't learn if you don't do it! If you would just like the phono up and running...get an expert to do it. I am sure there are lots of experts on here that would be willing to help you.

From what I see in pictures, it doesn't look like there are a lot of moving parts.....but I'll try looking for that video again. Most of what I found was how they worked and sounded after the restore...which was no help..

Do you REALLY want to do this yourself?

If so give me a couple of minutes...I will get on my computer and post some links for you. They will be vidos and threads that I use as a newbie.

If you have never soldered you are going to need some supplies. Like a soldering iron, solder, flux, etc. You will also need degreaser, and white lithium grease or phonolube, and zoom spout oil.

I'm not sure if I do.....I won't know until I take the case off and see what condition it's in. But I would appreciate the links in case I want to try it.

Here are some links that may help you...If you get stuck, ask detailed questions on the forum and include pics...there are many people here that are willing to help us newbies.



This is a good repair and restoration series...use only the info that pertains to what you are doing.....

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL806DBD0EC75273C1

moses_007's step by step restoration thread....

http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtop ... 9&t=116541

"fortyfiveplayer" you tube videos...
Here is a link to his channel....

http://www.youtube.com/user/fortyfivepl ... right_main

Here are some videos from his channel....I would turn it on and do things step buy step and pause video while you copy the steps...

http://youtu.be/CBvwI7Mrffw

http://youtu.be/Rq5JP2h5yPQ

http://youtu.be/LjpGGSRroNM

http://youtu.be/jB0cY8KY5Yo

http://youtu.be/jB0cY8KY5Yo

Those videos and link should help you....You kind of have to filter out what you don't need. If you go to "fortyfiveplayer" channel on you tube type in "190" in the search box for that channel and you will find the videos I posted and more...Hope this helps!

Thank you for the links, I have opened the case and everything looks in good shape, no rust that I can see. I am inserting photos in case anyone wants to comment on them.



Thanks again

This is a great book for 45 collectors. It does have a lot of good basic information you are looking for as well.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Fabulous-Victrola-Phil-Vourtsis/dp/0764316370

Thank you for the suggestion, I will check it out.

Looks really nice...now The whole space underneath your tubes...the chassis...that is where your capacitors are there should be some that are paper tube looking things covered in wax...those need replacing. And one big paper tube which is your electrolytic filter? I think lol.

PS...if there is anyone else out there who can chime in...please do so...I dont want to get reamed for giving wrong suggestions. Lol

You're doing great. Won't be long until you are one of the experts.

-David

See attached picture. Does anyone know what that fuzzy thing is at the top right and is it suppose to be that way?

Is it actually fuzzy...or does it just "look" fuzzy? I believe that is the power resistor. Usually does not have to be replaced. I think it is ceramic.

Thanks for the positive reinforcement. David! You're a doll!