Classic Hifi Care

Circa 1959, from the Motorola SK 29 I am currently restoring. The last VM changer I worked on was newer, about 1963, and I remember that I had to free up this roller, but on this one, it refuses to loosen up. Video by Jordan Pier (on a newer version) was very helpful last time: he cleaned it up, and when it was still frozen, grabbed it with some needle nose to get it turning. However, this one is frozen solid after cleaning with IPA. Grabbing with pliers just starts rotating the shaft where it is staked to the gear, which is not good. You can see I've already scarred it up (hopefully can smooth that off later). Are the rollers supposed to turn on this model? Are there two of them (stuck together), or is it just one? Suggestions on how to free up?

I tried a heat gun, to no avail, but I'm worried about getting those plastic parts too hot.

Only the lower part rotates, and yes, it needs to rotate. I use PB Blaster and soak, soak, soak it. When one is really stuck, and this is after a week of PB Blaster soaking, I will take a pair of Vise Grips, clamp them on, and very slowly start rotating back and forth. I have always had success with this method but it does take awhile. You can also apply heat with your soldering gun or iron keeping the heat away from the plastic thingy.

Bill

Thanks, Bill, that's exactly what I needed to know!

"Free All" (on Amazon) beats them all.
I saw it on an antique truck video and tried it...the guy was right.
It works. It works right. It works right now.

D