Removing Motor Board

Removing the motor board for sending in for rebuilding

These instruction are general directions for removing most models of Victrola motor boards, if yours is different than described or shown, please contact us for help removing your motor board.

Here are the steps in order for removing the motor board:

1. Turn the crank counter clockwise and completely unscrew it from the motor, sometimes they are tight and may require a push with the palm of your hand to get them started but once they start turning (counter clockwise) keep turn it until you are able to pull it straight out.  sending the crank to us to be restored (remove rust & polish the metal & refinish the wood handle) is optional and $15 extra, if you don’t send it, please put it somewhere inside the Victrola storage area so it doesn’t get lost.  see repair prices page for more info.
2. lift the turntable straight up grasping with both hands and set aside.  if the turntable will not lift up, contact us for help.  We need the turntable to test and calibrate your motor so send it with the shipment, optionally, If you want the felt replaced on the turntable and turntable outside edge reconditioned (nickel or gold plating cleaned and polished) for an additional $25, let us know when you send the text to confirm you have shipped the motor to us.
3. if you model has an automatic brake (a U shaped arm attached to the brake), move the U shaped arm all the way counter clockwise until it in fully over the motor board only, this will prevent bending or damaging the brake arm when the motor is lifted.  We rebuild, clean and replace brake leather at no additional charge on all motors sent to us.
4. use a flat head screwdriver to remove the two large head screws in each corner of the front of the motor board, temporarily re-install these part way in after the motor board is removed so you don’t lose them, we don’t need these to rebuild your motor.
5. Most motor boards have a lift knob (knob is similar to front top doors) if yours is missing this knob lift from the spindle.  if the knob is present lift it up.  Tilt the motor board all the way up making sure the tone arm is pushed all the way to the right and out of the way.
6. There is a track typically on the left side that holds the motor board up at an angle, while lifting the motor board as far as it will go at an angle with your right hand, use your left hand to pull the track off the guide pin.
7. Once you have the track off the pin, use both hands and grasp the motor board on the left and right and pull straight towards you (the front of the Victrola), you might need to give it a yank to pull the clips in the back off the pins.  if you have trouble doing this, contact us for more help.
8. do not remove the motor or any other parts from the motor board, we need the entire motor board to rebuild and test.  The motor is very greasy with black dried grease and can be messy before its rebuilt, put the entire motor board into a plastic garbage bag.
9. Motors and motor boards are pretty durable with shipping, damage is rare but please wrap it with bubble wrap or similar towels or soft packing and put it into a suitable box leaving some space around all sides and top and bottom so its not right up against the box.  Pack other material like shipping peanuts, more bubble wrap or towels on all sides inside the box so the motor board does not move around inside the box.  If you dont have packing material or cannot find a suitable box, consider taking it to a pack and ship service to have it done for you.
10. Put your name and contact info inside the box
11. Send the shipment to:

New England Victrola

8 Village Street

Manchester CT 06040.

Text the tracking number to 860-833-5968 and include your name, the address to ship the motor back, phone number and email (invoice for repair with shipping cost will be sent by email day prior to shipping)

Included with every motor rebuild at no additional charge:

• Automatic brake clean, rebuild and new leather on brake.
• Motor board cleaned and waxed.
• Speed control cleaned, polished, lubricated and acrylic window replaced if missing, yellow or hard to see thru.
• Speed scale cleaned up so its easy to read.
• Lift knob cleaned and polished
• rust, dirt or corrosion removed from all screw heads, motor bolt heads and washers.
• if any minor parts are missing or damaged, we typically replace them at no charge unless we need to order them, in that case you will be notified for approval prior.