Mellotronists

>    Here's a related question.  I am in the middle of
>cleaning and re-positioning the motor on my M400.  Got
>the new grommets and washers, too.  Upon removing the
>belt I noticed that the flywheel/capstain turn freely.
>However, the bearings make a little noise, as if the
>balls are loose inside.  Is this normal, or does it
>indicate a need for oil and/or bearing replacement?

Although rare, it's not unusual to have to replace bearings.

MRC 104KSZZ
NSK 6004VVC3

The Prof showed me the trick of sticking your ear at the other end of 
a metal bar or dowel that's against the bearing block and then 
turning the capstan by hand.  Crunchy sound = bad---replace the bearings.

I've thrown oil at mine from time to time.  I don't know how much 
actually gets in there---I need to get me one of those needle oiling 
things for the next time.

Regarding motor oiling...At the Philly Symposium 
(http://www.kleonard.com/mellotron/philly0501/working.htm) we went 
over this and observed a few motors being cleaned/oiled.  In addition 
to cleaning out the brushes, I do recall having to put a few drops of 
oil at either end of the shaft where it runs through the motor.  I've 
done this on #805 when I had the motor out and on "Mark" the Mark V 
(http://www.kleonard.com/mellotron/mpb050604/index.htm).  However I'm 
not sure how effective this is.  I guess the idea is that some of the 
oil works its way in there, and that's that.  Again, having one of 
those needly oilers might be a good idea.

Oh, I used Hammond oil.  I figure if it's good enough for one of those...:-)

I'm sure the Prof or one of the other tech guys can give us some more 
detail (or un-do the lies I'm spreading :-) ) if needed.

...kl...
M400 #805 - old motor
M400 #1037 - new motor

** Ken Leonard - Web Table of Contents:  http://www.kleonard.com
** Get Outdoors New England:  http://www.GONewEngland.org