Just bought a Majik with Karousel bearing which the previous owner had set up 12 months ago, could I ask how do you check that there is sufficient oil in the bearing and if there isn’t enough how much would you insert into the bearing to ensure ample is inside, the tissue paper around the base trick doesn’t correct due to the large nut on the top. I looked at the bearing after transporting it with the sub platter supported but would like to ensure there is enough in. Thanks
Linn Karousel Bearing oil check?.
- Thread starter Wayne C
- Start date
Don't check the oil, just replace it. Follow the correct procedure to clean out the oil and refile with fresh. I use Audio Origami oil these days, as I think it sounds better, but Linn oil is fine. Main thing is to change it regularly as LP12 bearings last a lot longer if you do.
Fill til spill is the only method I'd use as it's the only way to be absolutely sure the well is full.
Fill til spill is the only method I'd use as it's the only way to be absolutely sure the well is full.
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the karosel bearing uses about 19-20 drops of linn oil before it over spills, once you put the inner platter on....this lets you know its got no air inside and fully filled
a circus bearing takes about 39-40 drops of linn oil before it over spills once you put the inner platter on ...by comparison
a circus bearing takes about 39-40 drops of linn oil before it over spills once you put the inner platter on ...by comparison
Could I ask another question regarding the belt I have put it on but apparently they have a shiny and smooth side , the belt seems to be slipping to the lower section of the motor?, when I put the platter on upside down the belt seems to be rotating approx one belt width from the bottom of the sub platter , put the platter on the right way up and it’s struggling. Does the belt need cleaning seems bizarre to me.
I have watched the platter rotating with the top platter on upside down to see what is happening and the belt seems to slip to the lower section of the motor when you press stop , press start again and it doesn’t seem to wish to travel up to the area it sits when rotating ??
I have watched the platter rotating with the top platter on upside down to see what is happening and the belt seems to slip to the lower section of the motor when you press stop , press start again and it doesn’t seem to wish to travel up to the area it sits when rotating ??
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try cleaning the belt with IPA
in your situation maybe the smooth side of belt will give more grip
might be time for new belt?
in your situation maybe the smooth side of belt will give more grip
might be time for new belt?
John
Rack’em Up!
Not sure where you got that advice. There’s no point messing with changing Linn oil unless you contaminated it in some way.
The two sides of the belt are slightly different but the belt should run correctly either way. Check the platter speed. There is a phone app which works pretty well. If the speed is noticeably fast or slow adjust it until it's correct.
Once running at the right speed the belt usually runs right smack in the middle of the gap in the guide and right on the pulley ridge. If the belt is rubbing off the guide when running at the right speed something is wrong. First thing to consider is the belt itself. They last for years but eventually they stretch and won't work properly. Some aftermarket belts are also too thick, too thin, too short or too long and can also cause problems. Replace the belt with a known good one and see if that cures the problem. It usually does.
Most people say that the smooth side of the belt should go against the pulley but, if I remember correctly, Linn used to say that you should try all four orientations and see what sounds best.
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This is so confusing to be honest , I think the belt is the genuine belt and cannot be more than two years old , although I’ve rubbed my fingers on it and it doesn’t seem different either side to be fair. Should I clean the surface of the motor perhaps. Dont really want to put my phone on the platter just in case it is to heavy!.
John
Rack’em Up!
This is how your belt should look on the pulley during start-up. I would clean your belt with dish detergent, rinse it well and dry it with a clean cotton cloth. You can try cleaning the pulley and sub platter belt contact area with IPA which is not a bad idea to do every once in awhile. The newer Linn belts should be fine for 10 years.
Thanks for that , the belt is definitely slipping to the lower area of the motor pulley once it stops I saw it do that with the platter reversed. So I’m guessing the belt is slack as it doesn’t hold its position at all when attempting to restart rotation without a helping hand . Once you have given it assistance it seems to be fine. I’ll try cleaning it and report back
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the belt is meant to go lower side of the motor pulley AT start up and stop
Thanks for that information, it does move to the lower side but it doesn’t have the ability to move back up to the main pulley again. When you press the sides of the belt it doesn’t seem to have much tension to be honest. The belt I’m told is a genuine Linn belt and less than 2 years old
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sounds like its old ...try brand new belt and feel the pain at the price 
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or it could be your power supply if you have a Valhalla power supply even tho that years old?
It’s the current spec Majik turntable , I think the belts shot what belt would you recommend the official one or this one perhaps
I could take the belt into the local linn dealer to confirm it’s the belt first I guess
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LINN Sondek LP12 Premium Replacement Drive Belt - Please see "FULL DESCRIPTION" area for all info & large photos - Thank you.
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I could take the belt into the local linn dealer to confirm it’s the belt first I guess
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The belt apparently is only two years old according to the chap I bought the deck from.sounds like its old ...try brand new belt and feel the pain at the price
Doesn’t seem to be able to rotate the platter from a standing start , motor spins but belt isn’t up to it. Maybe removing it from the turntable without marking which way was up / down / back or front may have something to do with it. When pressing the belt between motor and inner platter it doesn’t seem to have much resistance to be honest so I’m guessing it’s a faulty belt as hasn’t lasted long at all
John
Rack’em Up!
I’m starting to wonder if it’s a genuine Linn belt. If the turntable is rotating close to 33.33 RPM, the belt shouldn’t be an issue.
The iPhone speed apps work pretty accurately if they are calibrated, uncalibrated it should still be close enough. I center a roll of electrical tape over the spindle and try to center the iPhone over that. The app works fine and will not cause harm to your bearing. Give that a try and if it’s running below 33RPM, the belt is bad or the speed is adjusted incorrectly.
The iPhone speed apps work pretty accurately if they are calibrated, uncalibrated it should still be close enough. I center a roll of electrical tape over the spindle and try to center the iPhone over that. The app works fine and will not cause harm to your bearing. Give that a try and if it’s running below 33RPM, the belt is bad or the speed is adjusted incorrectly.
I’m also wondering the same about this belt as I cannot feel any difference on either side of the belt itself to be honest . I’m wondering if this difference in texture should be obvious or not as I cannot tell either way. The belt won’t start the deck and the motor just spins with the belt in place. When I give it a helping hand it rotates but cannot start the deck under its own strength. So put a roll of electrical tape and balance the phone on top of it ?.