RCA Victor Electrola RE-45 Problem

[Victrola]

I've owned my RE-45 for about 27 years now. The only issue I had in those years was when the field coil opened, about a year after I bought it. Got that fixed, and she hasn't had any problems since then.

Well, till now. A few days ago I noticed that the power switch sometimes makes a crackling sound when power is applied. The toggle arm (itself) seems to have some play (the switch is held firm). One time, when the switch was thrown on, no power was actually applied. Threw the switch back off, then on, and it was fine. So, it would appear that the switch has an intermittent problem.

Any suggestions on the way to solve this? Are replacements likely available? Can the switch be repaired?

Thanks!

[bgadow]

If it is the type I'm thinking of, a new replacement should be very easy to find. A good hardware store probably carries it, but you will have to do something to match the finish. No harm in trying to take it apart-may just need a real good cleaning inside.

One option is to leave it in the 'on' position and plug it into a switched extension cord or outlet. I wouldn't really want to leave this plugged in all the time, anyway, just in case.

[leadlike]

The switch is a simple toggle switch, which you can get at Radio Shack. You should make sure the switch it the problem first, possibly by shorting out the old switch with the radio unplugged, and then plugging it back in to make sure it runs properly (although your description is very much indicative of a bad power switch).

[Victrola]

Thank you for your replies and ideas. With the exception of the field coil and the pick-up magnet and rubber materials, this RE-45 is all original, and in great condition inside & out. The sound is awesome. That said, I think I'll determine if the switch can be opened and inspected for the root cause, and see if I can come across a vintage part which is of similar appearance.

It is just a SPST, so there is no "damage" which it can do if it was to fail open/closed. I have no doubt, that the switch was the source of the "crackling", as I have been "face-to-face" with the switch while it has misbehaved.

My thanks to you both, again.

[bgadow]

I'll add that I have a lot of early switches like that in my "bucket-o-used-switches" and many of them have proven to be defective when tested. I know there are some good ones mixed in, though.

[Victrola]

I've had two PMs which indicated that this problem is likely solved with administration of WD-40 to the switch, each with a different method and place of application. I'll be trying each of them this weekend and see what develops.