Although a long-time subscriber to the Mechanical Music Digest, I have
not needed help on maintaining my 1918 Wurlitzer/Kingston player until
now.  So here we go:

My problem is a diagnostic one.  The vacuum source for the player is
an electric pump.  Both the player action and the air motor roll drive
appear to work okay when I supply a vacuum to test them separately.
When I try to operate normally, however, the system barely functions.

I can find no apparent leaks.  The pneumatics and valves have been
rebuilt, and all check okay.  Externally, the bellows and reservoir
appear to be fine, yet it is clear that the vacuum is insufficient.

My conclusion is that a problem exists with either the vacuum motor
itself or an internal leak in the bellows/reservoir, perhaps a flap
valve.

I am reluctant to take the bellows apart or replace the motor without
some confidence in the fix; hence I am hoping for a suggestion that
would assist in isolating the problem.

Thanks for any ideas.

Dan McGrath

 [ Andy Taylor wrote in 1998.03.27 MMDigest:
 [  "A most unusual example was a Kingston player-piano, sold under
 [   the Wurlitzer name.  This piano was (at least the one I seen)
 [   built by the American Piano Co.  There is no mistake here.
 [   The nameplate was different, but that is it.  Same scale, same
 [   plate casting."
 [ -- Robbie