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VPI Classic motor question

I have a Classic with the 600 RPM motor. The table is 2.5 yrs old. The motor started making a swooshing sound on each rotation about a year ago which continued after lubricating it. The sound could only be heard with the ear to the pulley and the speed stability seemed fine with the SDS. I lubricated the motor again about two weeks ago, including removing the pulley and cleaning the shaft, and the swoosh continued. Today I started hearing a more frequent noise that sounds like a very low friction sound. Still very low, but what the hell?

Is there is anything I can do about it at this point? I don't think putting more oil into the motor after I just lubricated it will fix it. If the speed appears to be ok, should I just ignore it? The first time I heard the noise VPI did not offer any advice beyond lubricating the motor. Is replacing the motor the only way to take care of the problem perhaps?

Any advice and feedback would be appreciated.
actusreus

Showing 2 responses by andyprice44

andyprice44
133 posts
 
I had a similar problem. I talked to mike at VPI and he instructed be to pull the shaft upward and slide the brass collar down as far as it could go. While holding the shaft up and the collar is down, tighten the set screw. This should eliminate any vertical play in the shaft. Don't over lube the motor. Only 1 or 2 small drops of 40wt oil is needed. Let us know how it turns out.
andyprice44
133 posts
 
I was in a similar situation as actusreus. I was having the swooshing noise with my 600rpm motor as well. I decided to go ahead and replace my motor. I made the switch to the 300rpm motor and large pulley. It has made a significant difference in lowering my noise floor. The motors are the same price and I would advise switching to the 300rpm motor.

Actusreus, I think you and I exchanged messages about the lubrication of the VPI motor awhile ago in a different post. It could be useful if you can locate it. I did quote all information I had from mike in that particular thread. Mike said to start with one drop of 40wt mobil 1 synthetic under the brass collar. My problem was I still had the swooshing noise and decided that if one drop didn't solve the problem then another drop might help. This wasn't the case. Too much oil will cause the swooshing noise to be more pronounced. I also think dust can become an issue over time and cause the sound you speak of as well. Replacing the motor was the only solution. The process to switch the motor is straight forward and simple. All wires are connected with wire nuts and no soldering is involved. Anyone with slight mechanical skills can do this without a problem. If you have enough skill to correctly setup your cartridge then, I would venture to say you will have no issues swaping the motor as well.
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