Hi Steve,

I've got the same problem with my 4002 but so far haven't found the cause. I've removed and cleaned the solenoid/damper mechanism and refitted in accordance with the service manual, ensuring the correct distances between arms etc but the problem is still there.

It seems like there's too short of a time gap between the solenoid activating and the arm motor engaging - either the solenoid engaging too late OR the motor engaging too early.

It's annoying!

I think this is due to the magnet coil return spring.This is the one to the right of the coil.

When the coil is de-energised,ie when you press the raise key,there is a residual holding field that needs to be overcome by the spring.

When you think  about how many times the spring has been stretched over the years,it's not surprising it's lost some tension!

I spent some time "getting technical" over this,before the most obvious culprit was identified.

Regards,

Nick

I think this is due to the magnet coil return spring.This is the one to the right of the coil.

When the coil is de-energised,ie when you press the raise key,there is a residual holding field that needs to be overcome by the spring.

When you think  about how many times the spring has been stretched over the years,it's not surprising it's lost some tension!

I spent some time "getting technical" over this,before the most obvious culprit was identified.

Regards,

Nick

Thanks Nick. Any easy remedy? What was your solution? Are these springs even available?

I bought a box of assorted springs and experimented with tensions.You need to get something that will be strong enough to return the the magnet coil lever/arm,but not so strong that arm lowering is impeded.

Alternatively,the ever helpful Dillen via this site,may have  a salvaged spring?

Regards,

Nick

Hi 

this has to do with the coil, but it's the lubrication, that's got hardened and not a worn out spring. You have to disassemble, clean and grease again. 

Chris

solderon29 wrote:

When the coil is de-energised,ie when you press the raise key,there is a residual holding field that needs to be overcome by the spring.

No, I think it's not. It's powered, when the arm is in play position. Otherwise the tonearm would lower down, when unpluged from mains.

Check youtube https://youtu.be/IxIxHb8sZdg

Chris

Thanks guys - the problem is more serious than I thought. Update:

The damper seems stuck - despite having cleaned it out and lubricated. It is very difficult to move. 

The stuck damper has hindered movement and as a result BENT the top horizontal arm that connects the solenoid to the damper across the top (because of this lack of play)

In the process I lost the c-clip. I'm usually good at this, but today was not my day  :(

How to proceed here? Do I need to source a new damper, and arm? Are they available.. Or repairable??

(Help.)

steve

The solenoid can bend none of those arms. 

The swivels can stuck as well. Did you watch the video?

I don't think it's a really serious fault. Everything is very solid.

Steve wrote:

In the process I lost the c-clip. I'm usually good at this, but today was not my day  :(

Perhaps you can use a small piece of shrink tubing.