Pioneer PL-514: Full Service

[@MrNobigdeal80]

I have to thank you! My dad introduced me to vinyl at a very young age. When he passed a couple of years ago I found one of these in his attic. I just went through your entire video and did exactly as you describe. The results are unbelievable! It is a beautiful turntable, and I'm very happy to have it functioning so well. It now measures 32.9 RPM and .11 WOW. Thank you sir!

[@TurntableGuy]

If you paint the motor pulley (while spinning) with a little nail polish, you'll add to the circumferance of the pulley and bring your speed up to 33.3. Just add a little paint at a time and make sure it is completely dry.

[@bmboldt]

I bought a 516 new back in 1979. I had it until around 2000 when I tossed it out because the speed was jacked and I had a second turntable. I did save the cover and hinges. In the last couple of years I have started repairing stereo equipment and could kick myself for tossing it. Such an easy fix. I have a Kenwood 2055 and a Garrard DD75 now but really miss my 516. I fixed the 2055 motor mounts based on your video.

[@mguess]

Thanks for the 49mm specification from Pioneer on cartridge alignment. I checked two carts that I have set up for my Pioneer PL-115D that I aligned with a protractor. Both measured out at exactly 49mm.

[@keithjones7810]

Thank you for this. I serviced my 514 following your instructions and its working beautifully. I had to use damping fluid on the tonearm but I worked that out and it wasn't too difficult. I watch your videos and I'm glad I have the 514. Some of the turntables look so over engineered and the 514 is so simple and easy to maintain. Thanks again.

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Nice! Very timely. I just finished putting new birch veneer on a PL-514 I just got given to me by a customer at my record store.

[@chrisjames483]

Awesome video. I'm looking at the same turntable to buy. This give me great confidence that I can service it myself.

[@paashaasXD]

I have this turntable from my dad and have been using it for a couple of years now. Suddenly couple days back the automatic return wasn't being lifted properly, so it scratched the record. Now I can see that the little plastic automatic return guider is being lifted a little bit, but manually I can lift it more if I pull on it. Do you know if that should be possible and if not, what a possible fix would be? I was thinking of maybe relubricating that part. Thank you for this detailed video as this will help me to give a full service on it. I believe in fixing old equipment instead of buying a new one. Also like you say it's a nice heavy turntable with a sturdy build quality. I just hope I can get that automatic return fixed again. Thanks again!

[@sudhirsingh-sx8lo]

thank you jacques. got the exact same unit needing service

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Cool! I have a PL-516.. Not sure if they're comparable or not, but I imagine it's not too far off. I inherited it from my cousin and it needs completely refurbed, so I'm sure this video will be of help. 👍 I already replaced the feet and the belt, but it still needs work. Anyway, great video!

[@michaeltrieb1]

Hey there, what can i do maintenance-wise for my PL-514 if the motor HAS started to make a little noise? Just a small hum, instead of silence

[@TurntableGuy]

Motor needs a complete service.

[@JTCurtisMusic]

Thank you! This was most helpful.

[@kampeskaMNSD]

Do you have any service videos on the pioneer PL-516? I'm having problems with the speed pots (33 1/3 - 45 rpm)

[@12_inch_spinnerz]

I think he has one for the 518 which should be the same process for the 516

[@kiebat10]

Whats the model pl-514A and the difference in a and non a

[@jimverrelle5490]

Question: I have a pioneer pl-570, works and plays very need help with a pl 570

[@jimverrelle5490]

Arm is noisy when loading

[@nolaserv]

Anyone know what Pioneer turntable dust covers w/hinges will fit a PL-516. Are any of them interchangeable?

[@JohnCook-lu2mi]

Hi, I found your video very informative and really helpful. You mentioned that you use a 75W90 oil but I would like to know about the type of grease you used. I intend to service my unit and I have a couple of issues which I hope your video will help me solve. Cheers

[@TurntableGuy]

www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/permatex-31832-high-performacne-multi-purpose-synthetic-grease-tube-85-g-0280813p.html

[@JohnCook-lu2mi]

@@TurntableGuy Thanks for responding

[@victorbloom8286]

Sometimes the Cure is worse then the Symtoms. Waiting for a 516 Video. Good Job .

[@vladmearmugarm193]

what size of belt is needed for a turntable like this my belt is broke? :(

[@everettberry6339]

A non-mechanical question for you or any of your followers. You may notice the difference in appearance where the platter ends from years of dirt accumulation. Is there a secret to removing the 40+ years of dinginess from the unique surface of the PL turntable base? Mild soapy solution does not appear to do the trick.

[@TurntableGuy]

The plinth will yellow over time. As far a dirt, I use any commercially available mild cleaner and a toothbrush. You can also try a little baking soda and water for stubborn stains.

[@gavinrowland4024]

Your video has been really helpful. I fixed the speed issue I had, but now I've put it back together, I've triggered something where the auto return doesn't function as it should. It drags back along the record and then lifts up towards the end. Any suggestions 😓

[@antonio.cappelli]

Very nice, just get this turntable, wich headshell and stylus do you suggest to buy ? Thanks

[@TurntableGuy]

Audio Technica AT-VM95E. Headshell doesn't matter.

[@antonio.cappelli]

@@TurntableGuy Thanks man, I really appreciete

[@brendajanes4139]

I am getting into records and I have been debating getting a new turntable or a used one. I am looking at a Pioneer 514 as a used turntable or an Orbit turntable. Which one would be the best?

[@TurntableGuy]

Vintage Pioneer without question.

[@brendajanes4139]

@@TurntableGuy Thank you for your reply! But have another question and that is could I put a cartridge from Audio Technica AT-VM95C or the headshell combo?

[@TurntableGuy]

@@brendajanes4139 yes

[@iPipco]

Hi I have a pioneer 514 all working great but it has stopped auto return at the end of record - I can make it do it by pushing the tine arm beyond the label but I understand there is a screw to adjust it but not sure which one ? Thanks in advance 😊

[@BradColetta]

Hi, I am having the same issue. Did you have any luck ?

[@miamoore9966]

Is there a weight and anti skate universal to set on this model of turn table?

[@TurntableGuy]

No - it depends on the model of cartridge that is installed.

[@rickjoseph1710]

I have a 1979 pl516. Took it our of storage and the motor is always on. I hear the switch click when it auto returns, but motor keeps spinning. Do you have a video that deals with the switch?

[@TurntableGuy]

No, but clean the microswitch that turns on the motor with some contact cleaner.

[@osliverpool]

Yep, using plasticine and similar materials was an old audiophool hack for damping turntables 🙄. People also used to stuff the plinth with it to add mass. I suppose adding mass to a lightweight turntable might help, but wrapping the bearing housing with it and sticking the mat down sounds like... 💩

[@TurntableGuy]

My thoughts exactly

[@greyymo]

I recently set up this old turntable after finding it hidden in the basement, but the auto-return does not work properly so the needle scraps across my records. the lever to lift the arm is also not working. I haven't been able to find a solution online. Will there be a video of you going over the arm?

[@TurntableGuy]

Adjust the height of the arm lifter. There is a little screw under it.

[@greyymo]

@@TurntableGuy is this the one under the rubber cap? thank u for the suggestion btw!

[@TurntableGuy]

@@greyymo No, the little horizontal arm that physically lifts the tonearm when you move the cueing lever. It should have a tiny screw on the side for adjusting height.

[@macbot3000]

There are two setscrews in the lifter mechanism. One in the grey plastic adjusts overall lift, one in the brass cylinder (in the slot of the gray plastic) adjusts the little rod in the middle that's used only by the auto return. Extend a bit more of the little rod to get the auto return to engage it. Mine had the same issue, it's working perfectly now. Hopefully works for yours too.

[@obque86nz]

Anyone know why I get a mad buzzing noise ?? seems to feed back really badly, to the point I Cant use it. Took it to a vinyl guy but he said to change the feet. I don't think that's gonna sort the issue. Any feed back would be really appreciated

[@TurntableGuy]

Buzzing is usually a grounding issue. Bad cables, etc.

[@johnstuartsmith]

The spindle is a steel rod, tapered at the top and very flat at the bottom. It's hardened, chromed and polished. It rides in a column of lubricant. The spindle sits, centered on a ball bearing. Any decent automotive lubricant should provide an oil film that prevents any grinding between the spindle, the very small area where the ball bearing would contact the ball bearing, and the spindle and the cylindrical brass spindle bearing. I used to be as O.C.D. as any other audio technophile, but I doubt that the ball bearing or spindle are producing bad vibrations or grinding each other into metal dust, so I'll pass on the blue gooey stuff but replace the spindle grease with half a teaspoon of GL-5 synthetic 80w/90 hypoid gear oil and make a note to change it every 6 months. Just to be safe...

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

So, I finished the veneering work and finally got mine all back together. I cleaned and lubed everything pretty much the same as you did, but I'm getting an annoying hum. It's not a ground issue. It only happens when the stylus is on the record and the motor/belt/platter is turning. Also, its only audible when the volume is pretty high. I tried taking the belt off, so the motor is turning but not the platter, and when i set the stylus on the record, no hum. I wonder if that is the issue the previous owner of yours was trying to negate with the BlueTak on the bottom of the spindle. Any ideas?

[@TurntableGuy]

Check your feet. They have probably rotted and the motor cage is hitting the table/stand underneath. There has to be clearance between the motor cage and whatever the turntable is sitting on.

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

@@TurntableGuy I wish it was that simple. I installed 1/4' 20 threaded inserts in the plinth where the old (rotted) feet screws were and made new feet from 2" x 1/2" aluminum discs, polished, with 1/4" 20 studs on top and 50 duro Sorbothane domes on the bottom. I'm starting to think, even though I lubed the motor and the mounts still looked soft, maybe there is a vibration being generated there I can't see or feel, that is being amplified through the metal bottom plate and up through the spindle/platter. I swapped the stock rubber mat, which actually looks and feels supple, for a cork mat and the noise level dropped, even if just slightly. That platter is really ringy, so I might buy a platter damping kit from SDS in the UK. I might also try soaking the motor isolation grommets in RubberRenew.

[@TurntableGuy]

@@TheAgeOfAnalog Is there excessive wear on the main spindle or ball bearing?

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

@@TurntableGuy none that I noticed. I cleaned it and well with alcohol, then lubed it fully with 80/90 manual trans oil.

[@gavinrowland4024]

What's the most likely issue for it running too slow? I purchased a second hand one and it runs at about 22rpm. I've changed the belt but it hasn't fixed it

[@TurntableGuy]

You need to check the supply voltage for the motor and make sure it is correct. Service manual available at vinylengine.com

[@gavinrowland4024]

@@TurntableGuy the voltage should be correct with what the outlet puts out. It's the 220/240v model. I might just follow the video step by step and see how it all comes back together

[@sudhirsingh-sx8lo]

im missing that plate

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Just curious. When you finally got the belt and we’re able to get the platter turning, were the speeds accurate? Mine ran a bit slow on both settings.

[@TurntableGuy]

Yes, speed was good. If it's running slow, try a little nail polish (paint) on the motor spindle. Watch my next video on the Kenwood KD-2055 for how to do that.

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

@@TurntableGuy Yep, I already took care of mine. After lubing the motor and spindle, cleaning the shaft and platter, I used Titebond 2 wood glue, a small foam applicator, and a strip of 1000g sandpaper. Using the Turntabulator app, I finally got mine to run at 33.35 and 44.96.

[@solarman30]

Dude, it's Blu-Tack. Nothing mysterious about it. Blu-Tack has been used for all kinds of audio related tweaks. Most notably between speakers and their stands.

[@robhall2570]

A bit late but I think that’s Blutack.

[@JohnLee-mq4hk]

Maybe PL stands for leaking play doh?