[blue lander]

Hi, I picked up an old Philco radio/turntable at a thrift store, I believe it's model 42-1002p. Someone had cut the wires going to the turntable motor for reasons unknown. I reattached the wires and the motor turned but not the turntable platter itself. So I removed the platter and found that the idler wheel was stuck. I squirted some naphtha in it and now it turns freely.

I put the platter back on but I noticed that it doesn't actually cover the idler wheel even when fully inserted. The idler wheel spins but it doesn't spin the platter.  I didn't notice if did before I disassembled it unfortunately. Is a part missing? Is the platter not sitting correctly on the spindle? Any ideas?

[GarySP]

Welcome to the Phorum, Blue Lander! The idler wheel is spring-loaded, and rides the inside outer edge of the turntable as I see it. Saying that I admit I don't have much experience with the phonographs. I can tell you that you are looking at a lot of rubber parts shrinking and cracking that need replacing. Others here will surely be able to assist you along the way to restoration. Take care and BE HEALTHY! Gary

https://philcoradio.com/library/index.ph...year-book/

This info found in our library at the bottom of the page will help get you started.

[blue lander]

Thanks! I should also mention that the radio just loudly hums when I turn it on, I don't get any sound from the radio or the turntable, so I have quite a bit of work ahead of me I'm sure. Once I get the turntable spinning I'll replace the capacitors and take it from there.

[morzh]

As with all these auld turntables, you need to take apart the assembly (this one is fairly simple), clean it and grease/oil it.
Then you will see if your idler needs to be replaced or it is good on its own.
Also the motor could benefit from being taken apart, cleaned and some proper oil put into the bushings and in the foam oil-keeping gasket, if such is present.
If you need parts like a new idler and such, the Voice of Music
https://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/
https://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/catalog/...urrets.asp
could be of benefit.

[blue lander]

Specifically, the platter isn't covering the idler wheel, even if I push the idler wheel in (it's spring loaded). So there's no contact between the idler wheel and the inside rim of the platter. I've circled it in the attach pictures. Should the platter be sitting deeper on the spindle (circled in second picture)?

[morzh]

It should go in.
I do not know this specific mechanism.
I would closely examine the spring-loading arm for any unwarranted restrictions, when pushing the idler in; also make sure the idler is original and did not get somehow flattened and widened (doubt it, but...)

Was it inside when you got the set, before you removed the platter?

[blue lander]

I don't remember unfortunately. Also I should add that the spindle easily popped right out of the platter after I took it off. I wonder if these parts don't actually go together. That might explain why the wires to the turntable motor were cut.