Technics SL-1600 mkI: Auto-start repair

Note: the camera would not focus well for this video. I have decided to leave it up because it is an important repair. If your tonearm skips across the record when you hit the 'start' lever, you need to watch this video.

[@Unlovable]

I saw a sl1610 for sale online with this problem, and the one repair video on this model is the solution to its problem. This video really helped me. I was having an issue where, upon starting, it would instantly go to the end and then go back. After opening it, it became apparent that the plastic piece was very stuck, and even penetrating oil could not loosen it initially. The plastic was cracked and moved, but the brass remained stuck together. I managed to loosen it after 30 minutes with penetrating oil and very carefully prying it up from below using a flathead screwdriver. I cleaned everything with alcohol, applied new grease, and now it works like new. Thank you so much for this video!

[@jeffgough1202]

Thank you!!! Have been looking for this video for about 10 years now. Had my 1600 in storage for years and am now ready to get it running again.

[@charlesandrewmoore8699]

it's worth noting this video does provide guidance for 1650 model as well! one more happy 1650 owner reporting ability to use this video to get my unit up to proper functionality! cheers for keeping this vintage youtube gold available!

[@theoriginalmrinfo]

Agree, I have a 1650 too with the same issues. Can't wait to dive into it.

[@alexeast4388]

I recently inherited a SL-1650. I am a novice to the turntable world but when I first powered it up I knew something was not right with the tonearm. Between the forums at vinylengine and this AWESOME video, I fixed the issue with zero issues. Thanks for the knowledge and the confidence to take this on.

[@TheCroneCall]

Thank you for sharing the knowledge! I bought an SL-1600 knowing the auto-start was broken and this guide existed. Your fix worked perfectly for me! The speed wasn't steady, and the pots were tough to turn; but a bit of deoxit & faderlube and everything's running like new!

[@alangross2277]

I have an SL1700 MK1 that needs a tonearm rest, thanks to a guy that hardly had any protection around the turntable when he shipped it! The tonearm rest broke along with the Dust cover. I've found mew dust covers but nobody that I have seen lists a tonearm rest for the SL1700. I'm sure there are other models that use the same rest and clip. Thanks to this video, I just removed mine and now know what I'm looking for!

[@aletsander]

Recomendable! Tengo una sl 1600 y tenía el problema de que no detectaba el tamaño del disco 17, 25, 30, iba al centro y regresaba, solo limpie la misma pieza de plástico con un poco de aceite w40 y listo! Solo limpiar con aceite y listo! Nada de romper o modificar ! Como nueva ! Muy buen video !

[@jefftaylor7969]

Great video. Thanks for posting. I just purchased a nice SL 1600 Mrk 1 and this is exactly what it is doing.

[@mintng513]

Just got myself technics sl-1600 from the marketplace. Meet the same problem. Thks for showing how to fix the problem!

[@JohnGrant-w3g]

Great, straight forward video. My SL-1600 is good to go, thanks to your instructions.

[@robyr7]

thanks for your video. I had the same problem and following your very detailed tutorial I fixed my turntable. thank you very much Roberto.

[@binarioman]

Great tutorial. I fixed mine with your video. Thanks!

[@RussSmith]

Thanks for the help! Service note: if you have this issue,, you may want to lubricate the arms underneath the unit as well. Mine had seized up, and it would not stop turn off at all. So, unit won't turn off: unseize\lube arms underneath.

[@caspianwendell]

Thanks for the video, it saved my bacon!

[@triada333]

Muchas gracias, desde Argentina, pude solucionar el problema. Cordiales saludos. Eduardo.

[@sudhirsumongkol8972]

God! I did not realize that I know Spanish (language ) here without actually learning!!

[@JohnWick-y2u]

Great video. Thanks. This solved the issue I had with the TT I just bought. Works like a charm. Quick quesiton, for some reason my TT has 2 glass fuses instead of one like yours. I wonder why?

[@renzsalcedo1321]

i also have a technics 1600 mk1.whats the problem with my tech 1600? when i clicl start the platter sometmes does not spin. and when it spins it stops or losing torque.he pitch control is fine. it starts and plays ok in 45 rpm selector no problem. im suspecting a bad contact of the microswitch of 33 selector

[@shahidmahmood7252]

Great video, thanks. The issue I have is that my dad’s SL1600 mk1 was recently recommissioned but after a week of lovely music the motor spindle stopped working and only the strobe light turns on. Do I need to ReCap and is it the large capacitor? Thanks in advance

[@clifftay002]

Hello, I'm experiencing the exact same problem with a SL-1350. Any suggestions? Thanks, Cliff

[@awi8976]

Thank you for the nice video! I got the 1710 MKII since 1979. Now, the autoreturn fails. the motorized lift is ok. How could I fix it? Regards! Axel

[@sudhirsumongkol8972]

Great! I will do mine now! Thanks a million.

[@sudhirsumongkol8972]

Me too! I have 1650 it does not start properly.

[@jefftaylor7969]

What can you do if that piece will not come off the brass rod?

[@jefftaylor7969]

Finally got that piece off with a lot of WD-40 and heat applied with a hair dryer. Regreased and put back together using the video, and it works perfectly.

[@trevornathasingh6600]

awesome video, works like a charm...

[@Ahmad12218]

Thanks i love the way you do it i have fixed mine

[@youngjun91]

That second plastic piece that is connected to the spring - is it really necessary to remove that? There seems to be some risk associated with removing and bending plastics that are starting to crack and get brittle. I'm wonder if it's worth it. Also wondering if it's worth trying to use the Loctite plastic bonding system / glue to try to repair the crack. Anyway, thanks for the video - it's very helpful and easy to follow.

[@kingofuseddurablecars.ls6040]

Hey Turntable Guy, The SL 1600 or the 1650???

[@volvo5litre]

Great video! Worked perfectly on my SL-1600. I have an unrelated (I think) issue that no one can figure out. Is there a way I can contact you to discuss it? Thanks

[@fabiolaalvarado2343]

Great video it was a big help! I fixed this issue and it works great now, however, the repeat function doesn’t. It just keeps spinning at the end of the disc, I’m confused since the tone arm will stop and go back when the repeat isn’t on. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

[@TurntableGuy]

Make sure the repeat mechanism is seated correctly when you put the plinth back on the base.

[@djdesign_]

I have an SL-1700 which is am semi-automatic. The tonearm is so stiff that when the needle is layed down on the vinyl, it skips because the tonearm doesn't move. It even feels stiff and not loose. I took it apart and didn't notice anything strange. Could it be the grease? The tonearm lifter feels and works great and doesn't interfere. Can you give advice? 🙏

[@TurntableGuy]

Arm bearings too tight?

[@djdesign_]

@@TurntableGuy thanks for the reply. I ended up adding a little 3-in-1 oil to the top where the tiny screw is on top of the the tonearm area where it swivels. I then rocked it back and forth about a dozen times and now it works great. WHEW!

[@KafkasCat]

This problem is exactly what happened to my SL-1300. The solution is similar, but since the inside mechanics are completely different, the offending part is in a different place.

[@valparaiso343]

Magnífico trabajo

[@jedfriesen]

Great vid??? What can I do if mcs 6710 auto returns tonearm within a second of it playing record??? Thx kindly.

[@TurntableGuy]

Check for old, dried grease.

[@stephen579]

Run a drop of super glue along the crack in the lever and it will find its way into the crack and stop any further damage

[@brixiu5]

I have one of these players and the brass pieces are too stuck together for me to remove this plastic assembly it's a real bummer.

[@TurntableGuy]

Try some heat.

[@brixiu5]

@@TurntableGuy is there a good way to add heat without melting the surrounding plastic?

[@TurntableGuy]

@@brixiu5 It's difficult. You definitely don't want to warp the plastic. WD-40 is a good penetrant. Keep soaking the area and apply a little heat. It will come up.

[@dayvancubensis]

it's uncanny how much your voice sounds like Josh Sawyer (developer for Fallout New Vegas)

[@jwhiteker1]

Could you give me your email possibly? I have an SL1600 that won't auto stop. I'd like to send you the video but don't really want it out here for the whole world. Thanks.