Kent Howell wrote, "I can hear a slight hum of the motor but it
does not run." I doubt you have a problem with the motor. Open up
the unit and take out the four screws from the bottom that hold the
motor assembly to the plastic chest.
The most likely three problems are (1) the motor needs oil or
(2) the center hub has broken out of the plastic fan blade or
(3) it has stripped out so the motors knurled shaft is loose in the
fan hub. So oil the motor and spin the blade, turn it on and whatever
you need to do to get it to spin. Be very careful that you do not
break any of the fan as it cannot be replaced that I know of.
Make sure the felt donut on the plastic wind chest is clean and
lubricate it with McLube, Johnsons Baby powder or other non-grease/oil
lubricant. Reinstall the motor and things should work. The other item
that keeps them from playing is WD-40 or other corrosion remover should
be sprayed into the hinge for all the plastic wind chest valves. You
may also need to replace rubber tubing.
You have now restored the beast. It will play if you can find rolls
for it. The mechanism will usually be louder than the music. It is
the design. Note: The plastic keys pop on and off the wire by just
pressing.
D. L. Bullock Piano World St. Louis
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