A warning on all RCA, and, other 45 rpm victrolas

Yesterday, I put my 45 player up on the bench for minor maintennance. I had tried it on my 1938 GE art deco radio a couple of nights ago, and, changer wasn't working right.
I sanded idler wheel, and, did a general cleanning, and, lube.
I put it back together, and, brought it back out to the living room to try, again. I plugged it in, and, turned it on. Just as turntable started turning, the machine gave a resounding loud "Pop" with a large spark. I cut the power immediately, and, un plugged it, and, radio. I was trying to guess what had happenned.
When I finally took changer back apart on the bench, I quickly found the problem..
They used a 3 terminal on-off switch. Two for switch, and, one in middle as dummy to connect other motor wire to other side of line.
It ends up the pop rivet holding that terminal had worked its[ way loose and, allowed it to touch one of the other terminals, resulting in a short circuit. That was so forceful that it nearly blew the power cord off the terminal.
Please check your switches carefully. Personally, my idea is to completely remove that center terminal, and, connect the two wires together using a simple wire nut. Much safer that way.....
Bill Cahill

Yes I will RECORD that item in my Memory bank.

Hi Bill,

Were you able to recover that motor?

I recently had an rp 190 spark and pop as you described and now I can hear the motor, but it is not spinning. Is it toast? I swapped in another motor, but now it begins spinning as soon as it plugged in. It rejects, but will not switch off manually and must be unplugged.

I should mention that the motor came from a machine with a 3 tube amp, a 7EY2HH, and has been put into an attachment changer, so perhaps the switch is different. Any ideas?

I'm new to this and don't want to ruin the second motor, but wonder if you could post some photos to clarify what you've said above, so I don't do any more damage.

As I said, I'm new at this and ignorance isn't blissful at all.

Thanks

Sounds like your switch shorted out.
Secondly, on the motor, if not properly lubed, new grommets, and, new idler wheel, expect it to be able to do very little.
Also, your recycling can, if not replaced will cause you rejecting problems...
Bill Cahill

Thanks for the info on the switch rivet!
Kevin

You may have switch wired wrong. Is the motor you put in from a three spd changer? If so, that won't do.
Your original motor may just be gummed up.
Bill Cahill