The PHILCO Phorum
M-20 Phonograph - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: M-20 Phonograph (/showthread.php?tid=26433)


M-20 Phonograph - Garagejunky - 04-19-2026

Hello, I have a Model 50-1718 with a M-20 phonograph. I have the radio working, The phonograph needed cleaned, oiled and greased. the drive belt was no good and the motor mounts were just disintegrated. I purchased and installed the new ones, Thought I would be good but, the lever for speed control connects to the fork on the idler wheel assembly via a detent  roller. The idler assembly only has two positions and when the speed lever is moved it will only allow the motor assembly to go into 2 speeds due to the motor fork binds because the motor housing only goes into 2 positions. I have tried everything I can think of and Hope i’m overthinking this. I feel All other parts are correct, and moving freely. I have an exploded parts pic and manuel on how to use the M-20 But no assembly directions. I would appreciate any help anyone could give me.

RE: M-20 Phonograph - radiorich - 04-19-2026

Hello Garagejunky,
Welcome to the forum! I haven’t personally worked with the M-20 Phonograph, but I’m sure one of the other members will be able to help you out.

Sincerely Richard

RE: M-20 Phonograph - morzh - 04-19-2026

I will move this to the "Philco Electronic Restoration" for now, for the lack of a better place (I have just started the discussion in the Admins forum to address this), as this clearly starts as a restoration thread and not an introduction.

Mike.

RE: M-20 Phonograph - MrFixr55 - 04-21-2026

Hi GarageJunky,

I have not worked on this one (I may have seen one 60 years ago as a kid but it worked). Try this:

Remove the platter and the capstan roller.
Attempt to shift between all 3 speeds.
Can you?

If you can't move through all 3 speeds, at least with these parts removed, you should be able to see the issues. If you can move the speed selector through all 3 positions, then reinstall the idler wheel and repeat. If all is well, then reinstall the plater. If it jams with the idler wheel in place, look for the reason.

Hope this helps.

RE: M-20 Phonograph - morzh - 04-22-2026

One of the good resources for those repairing turntables:

https://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/

Gary is a very helpful guy.

RE: M-20 Phonograph - radiorich - 04-22-2026

Hello Garagejunky,
Yes, I second about voicofmusic ,

Sincerely Richard

RE: M-20 Phonograph - DaleHCook - 04-22-2026

Garagejunky Wrote:  I have an exploded parts pic and manuel on how to use the M-20 But no assembly directions. I would appreciate any help anyone could give me.

Is what you have the factory service manual for that turntable? We have it in the 1950 Philco Yearbook, pp. 153-171.

Garagejunky - Garagejunky - 04-23-2026

Thank you all for the replies !! I did figure it out after all. The Idler arm that slides back and forth and up and down, was not going up and down. The stops were just butting and stopping the arm from going into the third position. It was the old grease holding it as if it were pressed on. I used a lighter, heated it up just enough to get the piece off and cleaned it up with alcohol. Greased it up and it’s working great. I am along way from completing this project. I still have to recap the radio which is working fine with the old paper caps but From all i’ve read they could be leaking ? I have never recapped a radio but I think I can get it all done. I’m sure I’ll have some additional question's. Thank you all again. Much appreciated!
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