AR-XB. Is it worth a new motor?

The XB retailed for $130 in 1972. 

I just picked one (77XB) up recently with a similar symptom as yours.  On mine, giving the platter a manual spin to help it reach 33.33 rpm works.  I did replace the cap, but it made no difference.  A full motor rebuild is in the future.  For now, I put an M91ED body and got a NSS elliptical N91ED from LP Gear.  It sounds glorious after some lube of the bearings (arm and platter) adjustment of the suspension, and dialing in the cartridge alignment.  Mijostyn is very knowledgeable but I differ on this point…much stylus wear comes from insufficient tracking force to maintain groove wall contact in the misguided pursuit of low VTF. Using the upper end of the recommended range is the simple solution for most non-SOTA arms used by most people.  I realize some A-Goners do have SOTA rigs with superb precision arms, but that was Villchur’s view and I haven’t seen it disproven.  No one is comparing an XA or XB to gigabuck tonearms, it was meant to be affordable high fidelity and in that context is one of the greatest inventions of its time.

Thanks to all who have responded. Everything helps. It seems like folks are hesitant about the Ortofon on this table. Reasons?

@baylinor I own a JD tractor that is worth more now than when I bought it 5 years ago. Past price is not always an indication of future worth.

@puptent @jasonbourne71 I have no intention of selling it. I’ve wanted an AR since my college days in the 70’s. I’ve been in contact with Dave at Vinyl Nirvana (what a nice guy!) and just looking at that site is encouraging.

@palasr I’m not good with a soldering iron. Ask me to wire a house? No problem...big wires and big tools. I do have a local tech who does fine work that will soon see this table.

Again, thanks to all who have responded (and, hopefully, will continue). I’ll post pics when it’s running again.

Chuck

I have been sitting on the fence on this thread.  I used to have a C26 and a 2100 and can't let you dangle in the breeze.  The AR turntable is an enigma.  It was a brilliant, though flawed design.  With the 3 point suspension it was copied first by Thorens and then by some charlatan in Scotland ;-) who certainly validated the concept.  But the arm, OMG the arm was a disaster.  It chewed up stylii like they were candy.  It had waaay too much friction you see.  There is nothing for it frankly.  The AR turntable is for suckers.  Fix it if you can and sell it to one of those and may G*d have mercy on your soul.  Go in peace. 

@billstevenson Thanks for getting off the fence, the feedback is much appreciated. I have been going back and forth between charging ahead and restoring the table to like new condition or putting it on the back shelf while I do some research about arm/headshell replacement vs buying a used, more modern table. So, I am on the fence as well. Especially after having a talk with my tech about how people started modding the table almost as soon as it was put on the market. Either way, I will keep the table as it is a "fine piece of audio history".