Technics SL-B202: General Servicing

The SL-B202 is a workhorse belt-driven turntable that is reliable and sounds good. Let's give this one a general servicing.

[@garryself]

This brings back memories. I bought a SL-B202 a few years ago as a fix-up project. It had a snapped hinge, needed a new stylus and belt. The auto-return wasn't working properly, which thankfully was fixed by degreasing and regreasing the return mechanism's moving parts. The controls all needed a good clean with contact cleaner, with the 33/45 switch being a particularly stubborn one. Then, once I got it running nicely, the motor started ticking, then buzzing 😫 After stripping the motor down and removing the offending broken plastic ring (I had to glue the parts of the motor together that the plastic ring used to hold in place), the motor now works great. Touch wood, its worked fine for the last couple of years 🙂

[@electriclettuce666]

Howdy! I just managed to fix one of these and its hinges are broken. May I ask how you fixed it / replaced them?

[@garryself]

@@electriclettuce666 I used super glue and it has held in place for 3 years so far. If glue doesn't work, there are third party metal hinges you can buy that screw in place where the old plastic ones are.

[@joshhudac7076]

This is the exact video I needed today!

[@henriccarlsson9052]

Thank mate. I just inherited my dads 202 and it works great after a little service.

[@TrevorsBench]

Another one saved, well done!

[@filthyredpunk]

No lie: when you brought out those picks I felt like I was back at the dentist.

[@alanarmstrong2323]

Love my dual 1219 and 1229 !!!

[@TurntableGuy]

Great decks.

[@johnbuie3306]

Hi. I know this video is older but I recently acquired a B202. It keeps steady speed at both 33 and 45 rpm but there's a loud(ish) ticking noise coming from the motor. The noise increases in pitch at 45 rpm versus 33. I added a bit of oil to the motor and main bearing but the noise persists. Any idea what might be causing it and how to fix?

[@Poludioskroz]

Great video,as always...have you ever serviced idler drive tt?

[@TurntableGuy]

Yes - I have done many Dual 1200 series tables. I have one in for service right now.

[@Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez]

Rega tables are over-rated. Nice job. I just did one today.

[@mguess]

Nice "studio" light upgrade! I think I purchased the same lights at Costco. Are they the ones with three adjustable panels that screw into a normal socket? I installed them out in the garage and in some locations in the basement.

[@TurntableGuy]

The one I bought has 4 "fan blades" that adjust up or down. It is really bright.

[@mguess]

@@TurntableGuy I may have to make another trip to Costco.

[@radicalforest]

Almost done adjusting pots (carefully) and suddenly the turntable stopped. I removed my screwdriver and heard a noise. Turning it over I found the VR2 pot had fallen apart. Help! Where can I find a replacement mini pot?

[@konstadinosampatzidis4774]

Hi. Perfect video. I want to ask about technics sl b202. I bought a second hand recently which is at perfect condition as it has never played before. However you can hear loud enough a noise from the turntable when it spins. Will it be fixed with just a little oil from the top as you showed at the video ? Because I don’t feel comfortable enough to open it all. Also can I use WD40 or is it bad ? Thanks

[@TurntableGuy]

Do not use WD40 for anything other than cleaning grease.

[@neverordinaryyoursoriginal4127]

I have the exact one, having speed issues, table on 33&45 is spinning as if it where in hyper speed! I tried adjusting V1&V2 and I can’t slow it down. Any reason why it’s in super speed ?

[@mgomez5606]

I did not know that turntables got serviced. Learn something every day. What is average price for this service? How often should you get it serviced for home users?

[@TurntableGuy]

I'd service a belt drive every 5 years and a direct drive every 10 years.

[@henriccarlsson9052]

Question, which of the rows on the plate are supposed to look still with correct rpm? I adjusted my 33 so the bottom row is still and it is waaaay to slow.

[@TurntableGuy]

Depends on your location and whether you have 50 or 60hz electricity.

[@henriccarlsson9052]

@@TurntableGuy wow. Interesting :) 220volt 50hz.

[@TurntableGuy]

@@henriccarlsson9052 So, look at the little chart beside the pitch control and adjust 33 for the line of dots at 50Hz.

[@scooter12e]

I have this turntable and the motor makes a constant annoying ticking noise whenever it's turning. Once you play a record it's usually not audible but it can be heard sometimes and it's quite obnoxious. Any idea what the problem could be?

[@TurntableGuy]

Try a drop of oil like in the video.

[@garryself]

I had a ticking motor too, which turned into a buzzing motor. Try the drop of oil like what Turntable Guy said. If that doesn't work, it might be a plastic ring inside the motor which has snapped and is rubbing against the motor case. If this is the case, you may be able to repair the plastic ring with glue, or if not (mine was too far gone), use glue to retain the part of the motor that the ring used to retain.

[@FreedomRock44]

Do you have a recommended brand of belt in terms of Quality? Also for technics do you prefer a size like 25 vs 35 width????

[@TurntableGuy]

www.thakker.eu/en/

[@colebuzzard7721]

Complete noob here, could you please explain to me what the "strobe" is and what that little 60hz plate is supposed to show you? Also do you have an instructions on the belt boil as well as the lubricants/grease you use?

[@TurntableGuy]

The strobe is exactly like it sounds - it flashes 60 times per second in 60Hz countries and 50 times per second in 50Hz countries. By looking at the platter, you can adjust the speed by looking at the strobe pattern - when the dots appear still - you have achieved the correct speed. Belt boil - just pop it in a bowl/glass with hot water and throw it in the microwave for 4 or 5 minutes. For this deck I used a non-detergent 30 weight for the bearing.

[@colebuzzard7721]

@@TurntableGuy thank you! I am just getting as much knowledge downloaded as I can before I purchase a TT to resurrect! I just have a newer works right of the box AT. Never had or used a real deal old school turn table before. Looking at a YP-B4 currently.

[@ewhibs]

Hi TT Guy, digging these vids. I have a Sansui 771 receiver, can you recd a couple of vintage TTs for me to pair with my receiver? Thx in advance if you get to my question :) - E

[@TurntableGuy]

How about one of the tables in the Sansui SR series, or a Technics SL-D2/D3.

[@ewhibs]

@@TurntableGuy thank you!

[@ewhibs]

What is difference between a DL3 and DL30 besides cosmetics? Thx

[@Vintageelectronics2296]

Where do you get the oil bottles

[@TurntableGuy]

Ebay

[@mgomez5606]

How do the potentiometers get out of adjustment?

[@TurntableGuy]

Electronic parts drift with age.

[@len9518]

Do not flood the pot. Small amount only, or it will cause more serious issues later.

[@pelinonce341]

Hi, where can i get your email address ?