I have a silvertone 528 66500 I think the record deck is a 6066 it does play but there does not seem to be enough pressure on the idler to keep the deck spinning when it goes through the changer mode, I have checked the Diameter of the idler tower (2 rubber tires) and it does not seem worn, when the play is engaged the lower tire moves over to contact the direct drive spindle and the upper tire to contact the platter, but very little pressure is applied, there is a tiny extension spring which is in place but seems too small to do much, I did find a compression spring in the bottom of the cabinet about an inch long and an 1/8 diameter but cannot find a place for it to go, anyone any ideas?

We need a photo posted of the record changer to assist you.

Hotwax

Ok Thanks, but I am not sure how to post photos to this website, is there an email address I can send them to?

Here is a link.

Bill J.

https://app.box.com/s/a0oictx1y3irrii41vqkxe0zqd7qgahb

Have you cleaned the wheels and the platter rim with isopropyl alcohol? Any oil or dirt will make it slip.
It looks like there might be several holes you can chose from to attach the spring.
Also the lubrication in changers frequently get stiff and gummy and this creates added load on the drive system, so a cleaning and re-lubing would be in order.

From the exploded diagram that Bill provided, it looks like it has a standard idler wheel to me. The rubber on these harden with age until they reach a point where they slip instead of grab.

How does the rubber on the wheel feel? Is it soft and pliable, or is it stiff?

Here is a link to the photos of the silvertone. Sorry for the delay, I had to get my computer geek son to do this for me!

I am going to clean the wheel and deck with alcohol, rubber feels kind of stiff but as I am no expert not sure how flexible it should be, if cleaning doesn't help would you suggest just replacing the idler as the next troubleshooting step?

I have cleaned the wheel and platter with alcohol, no difference, when turned on, it takes only the slightest finger pressure on top of the deck to stop it, the wheel continues to spin and makes a pretty dry sound rubbing on the platter, reckon I should replace the wheel and see what happens, could you suggest a source?
Thanks, Colin.

Hi Colin,
Seems like the idler does need replacing.
Gary at the Voice of Music will have your idler.
You will send your old idler first, and then he will send
you the re-tired new idler.
This should be your idler wheel:
http://thevoiceofmusic.com/catalog/part ... ategories=

I recently restored one of these changers, but the plastic speed
change cam (Part # 74 in exploded diagram) was worn out, and the changer would not
hold a speed or engage the idler.
The only fix for that was my finding another Sears changer
that I could swap parts from.
Hotwax

Thanks for the advise, I will get a new Idler and go from there.
Regards, Colin.