Radchick31 wrote:

I bought a late 50's model rca victor multi-channel stereophonic high fidelity
turntable that plays all vinyl records. It plays the 78s perfectly, but nothing
else. the turntable does not even turn when the other speeds are chose. any
suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Sheila D.

Hi...

My memories of the 50's are getting a wee bit dim

However, here's what I suggest...

Move the tone arm away and secure it, so you don't
damage the probably irreplaceable cartridge or needle.

Lift the mat off of the turntable. It may lift off
easily, or there may be three rubbery - don't know what
to call them - bumps? that extend down into holes in
the turntable itself. In either case, lift it off
gently.

Next, lift the turntable itself off. If there's an
"automatic changer" spindle in the center, you'll have
to lift that off first. Rotate it gently in either
direction - you'll feel it let go - then lift it off.
Before lifting the turntable itself, there may or may
not be a "C" type washer on the shaft in the center.
Pry this off with a small screwdriver in one of the
openings. Cup your hand around it while you do, so it
doesn't fly away and get lost. Now lift the turntable
itself off.

Looking at what's left, you'll see a 3 or 4 stepped
"pulley" on the shaft of the motor. Also a rubber
tired idler wheel. As you change speeds, the idler
will (or should) move up and down, so that it contacts
different steps on that pulley.

To watch it operate, or try to, just change speeds.
It may not want to without the motor running, so go
ahead and turn it on. You should see the idler moving
up and down, and staying in contact with the pulley.

And hopefully, watching it you'll see what's wrong,
and perhaps find a solution.

When you do, and want to put the turntable back on,
the turntable will be trying to sit on the idler, rather
than beside it. Use a finger to gently push the idler
away while sitting the turntable down the last little
bit.

Hope this helps...

Ken