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Philco 37-116, tuning mechanism and mechanism/tuning capacitor coupler - Printable Version

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Philco 37-116, tuning mechanism and mechanism/tuning capacitor coupler - rck46 - 06-30-2026

I have finished a recap of this radio and am having problems with the dial mechanism and the coupler between the dial mechanism and the tuning capacitor.  The dial mechanism has the magnetic tuning feature.

I have attached a picture of the coupler.  The rubber portion is deteriorated and the shaft openings are not aligned.  I inserted two bolts in the coupler shaft openings to show the misalignment of the coupler.  Is there any reason these shafts should be offset like this?  Has anyone rebuilt one of these couplers?  I am considering rebuilding the coupler by removing the old rivets, replacing them with new screws, washers and nuts, and replacing the rubber piece so the shafts align.

The dial mechanism is removed from the chassis and the plastic dial does not rotate when turning the dial knob.  All the gears turn but the dial does not rotate.  I have lubricated the mechanism with no success.  Is there a trick here or something I am missing?

Thanks, Bob

Thanks, Bob

RE: Phulco 37-116, tuning mechanism and mechanism/tuning capacitor coupler - rck46 - 06-30-2026

I tried to add picture of coupler with no success. Any one have a suggestion?

Bob

RE: Phulco 37-116, tuning mechanism and mechanism/tuning capacitor coupler - morzh - 06-30-2026

https://philcoradio.com/library/download/service%20info/service%20bulletins/Philco%20Service%20Bulletin%20273.pdf

This is the Service bulletin 273, Philco Atutomatic Tuning.


Below are the threads on the coupler.

https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=10378&page=3&highlight=Starting+37-116+Deluxe+Restoration
https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=13044&highlight=coupler

RE: Philco 37-116, tuning mechanism and mechanism/tuning capacitor coupler - rck46 - 07-01-2026

Thanks for the response.  I have completed rebuilding the coupler and will install it and the tuning mechanism on the chassis today.

RE: Philco 37-116, tuning mechanism and mechanism/tuning capacitor coupler - rck46 - 07-02-2026

I found two problems with the tuning mechanism. The first problem was the two set screws on the gear that drives the dial assembly were not effective even after securely tightening them. This prevented the turning of the dial assembly. I replaced them with new set screws. The second was the plastic mask disc was stuck in the dial assembly housing instead of being free to allow rotation of the dial. Repairing this required complete disassembly, cleaning, and lubrication of the dial mechanism. The Philco Service Bulletin 273, Philco Automatic Tuning, was a good reference for the disassembly process.

RE: Philco 37-116, tuning mechanism and mechanism/tuning capacitor coupler - morzh - 07-02-2026

It is almost always required.
I completed two, a 37-116 and a 38-690.
One step, which is trying to knock out a pin from the gear holding cylinder, could be challenging.
Also that mute switch is a bit of a delicate thingy.
But it is doable.