Good evening folks.

Some of you will know that I was fortunate enough to purchase Owen’s Keith Monk machine from Jeremy last year. 

It’s a delightful vintage machine, and serves as a wonderful memento of the kind, knowledgeable & generous man who took care of it for many years prior to me… 

darklanternforowen.wordpress.com/2020/09/30/keith-monks-record-cleaning-machine/

So… recently, it hasn’t been sucking the fluid off the record as well as it should. I would estimate it is sucking at about half-strength. I have spent a few hours now reading user forums, checking tube seals, tightening jam-jar lids, applying nail varnish to connections and generally testing the limits of my fettling abilities.

But no joy. 😢

I fear it is now destined for landfill, if I can’t find someone who can give it some proper professional attention. Shipping it back to the UK will be financially impractical, given the cost of freight.

I’m fresh out of ideas.

Given its provenance, would anyone here be interested in taking on a project, or recommending someone in NZ who could test the pump is still functioning properly, and give it a proper going over? 

PM me, or leave a message here.

Thanks.

Hi
There are two areas of concern for any KM type machine. The first is the Lenco motor and associated bearing that rotates the platter, and for that you will not go wrong if you go here:

www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?board=10.0

In that section is a whole pile of information around motor and bearing maintenance. Given how old the machine is that is an area that a a refurbishment of the motor with a few simple tools you could perform yourself.

The second one, and possible more likely candidate will be the Charles Austen pump. Strangely enough Charles Austen are still in business and may be of assistance. It would be a lot cheaper to ship a motor than the whole contraption.

Don't send to the landfill! These are lovely record cleaners and well worth a little effort to bring it back to working condition. Or you could send it to me...
Best Regards
Jon

Hi;- where are you?

Intrigued, could I make it work?

Birthday September 30 too. Ha.

PM contact details maybe. Thanks!

Ross

Ross, I assume you are talking to Raveydave, I live in Wellington

Sept 28, 2023 20:07:55 GMT 12 jon said:

Ross, I assume you are talking to Raveydave, I live in Wellington

Hi Jon, yes I was.

Thanks.

After your informative reply though, I wonder how much work would be in it, and cost and so on.

Not that that is necessarily a turn-off! ;=})

Cheers!

Sept 28, 2023 19:44:02 GMT 12 jon said:

<snip>

The second one, and possible more likely candidate will be the Charles Austen pump. Strangely enough Charles Austen are still in business and may be of assistance. It would be a lot cheaper to ship a motor than the whole contraption.

Don't send to the landfill! These are lovely record cleaners and well worth a little effort to bring it back to working condition. Or you could send it to me...
Best Regards
Jon

Thanks for taking the time Jon, much appreciated. 

The motor and fluid applicator sections are working as well as they ever have, it’s just the suction that’s the problem.

I had thought of removing the pump, but have no way to test or measure if it is operating within the manufacturer’s spec. That is great to hear that Charles Austen are still in business, that could be a useful start! It isn’t making any odd sounds, again seems to be operating  much like it was - I’m just getting as much suction at the cleaning tip as I need.

I thought the most likely culprit was a blocked line, poor / split seal, or some other fine adjustment I am unaware of. As was his way, Owen left a folder of notes and diagrams for the machine - some of which have been helpful. 😇

I’ll see if anyone else chimes in, in the meantime I might order a few yards of 5/32” Tygon tubing and try replacing all the internal lines.

Happy birthday for tomorrow RDM. 🥳