I have a vintage Ferrograph Super 7 model 7504 that I haven’t played for a while. I got it out again, loaded a tape and started it. I know that it has been a while since I used it, but playback at 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 there is a loud mechanical noise ... louder at 7 1/2. At 1 7/8 it is not too loud. I took the front off and the noise seems to be emanating from the flywheel that is attached to the capstan.
Is it my memory that is going or is there something wrong with the unit?
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Boswell, post: 460781, member: 29034 wrote: It's likely to be th
Boswell, post: 460781, member: 29034 wrote: It's likely to be the flywheel bearings. They can get dry in prolonged periods of non-use.
I saw a YT video on re-lubing those a year or two back, but I couldn't find it when I looked just now.
They were great machines in their day. I had a 4AN for several years, which I fitted with stereo heads. I built an external copy of the internal valve electronics for the second channel and made some good recordings with it. The Series 7 overtook all that.
Thanks for the information. I tried searching for the video as well but without any luck.
Do you remember if it was a challenging task? I’m wondering if I should undertake it or try and find a repair company.
I’m trying to sell the unit and the buyer that is interested wants it fixed before he will take it.
I've never had to re-lube a Ferrograph capstan bearing, but have
I've never had to re-lube a Ferrograph capstan bearing, but have done several other types of machines. Normally, there is a cap on the base of the bearing held in place by two small screws. If that's how Ferrograph have arranged things on the Series 7, I would carefully take the cap off to look inside. First put a sheet of paper vertically below the bearing to catch any parts that may fall out.
Don't be tempted to run the machine with the cap off, but with the mains disconnected you could try carefully rotating the flywheel by hand to see if there is any sign of bearing squeal.
That's going back a while, but my Super 7 developed a capstan mo
That's going back a while, but my Super 7 developed a capstan motor noise and it was one of the blades on the motor fan, which are quite flimsy and unprotected. A slight bend and it was noise free again. I had a 7522 I think - 15ips, with a built in stereo amp. Lovely beast it was.
paulears, post: 460803, member: 47782 wrote: That's going back a
paulears, post: 460803, member: 47782 wrote: That's going back a while, but my Super 7 developed a capstan motor noise and it was one of the blades on the motor fan, which are quite flimsy and unprotected. A slight bend and it was noise free again. I had a 7522 I think - 15ips, with a built in stereo amp. Lovely beast it was.
Was the noise at all speeds? Mine is okay at 1 7/8ips but not at 3 3/4ips or 7 1/2ips. I agree that it is a wonderful machine.
It's likely to be the flywheel bearings. They can get dry in pro
It's likely to be the flywheel bearings. They can get dry in prolonged periods of non-use.
I saw a YT video on re-lubing those a year or two back, but I couldn't find it when I looked just now.
They were great machines in their day. I had a 4AN for several years, which I fitted with stereo heads. I built an external copy of the internal valve electronics for the second channel and made some good recordings with it. The Series 7 overtook all that.