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VPI 16.5 RCM leaking

172.9.185.95

Posted on July 24, 2022 at 07:20:07
Funky Bob
Audiophile

Posts: 835
Joined: May 16, 2003
I bought mine used and it's at least 15 years old. I noticed there's a leak near the front panel. Water is coming out under the front of the unit from a hole at the bottom and it leaves a small puddle on my table. I already emptied out the tank but it's still leaking. I haven't got time to take it apart yet. What could have gone wrong with a 16.5 of this vintage? Everything works fine except the small leak. Thanks.

 

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RE: VPI 16.5 RCM leaking, posted on July 24, 2022 at 08:26:19
wires
Manufacturer

Posts: 64
Joined: April 12, 2001
Sorry to say you have to remove the bottom panel and look over the tank. It may be leaking; the chalking may need to be replaced or new waste tubing may be needed.
Lastly check the surface where tank is mounted for delamination.

 

Repair , posted on July 24, 2022 at 12:13:29
M3 lover
Audiophile

Posts: 6586
Location: SW Mich
Joined: May 29, 2005
Contributor
  Since:
July 4, 2007
Good advice here.

It really is a simple device so shouldn't be difficult. No need to call a plumber. ;^)

BTW, I found my 16.5 would heat up if I cleaned more than 3-4 records at a session. The spindle actually became hot. So I got a Whisper Fan and mounted that on the back, wiring it to the vacuum switch to turn on at the same time.

No noticeable difference in the noise and it has run cool ever since.

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho

 

Thanks for the confirmation. I purchased a whisper fan a long time, posted on July 24, 2022 at 17:01:39
alaskahiatt
Audiophile

Posts: 7483
Joined: December 9, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
November 1, 2005
ago, but never installed it on my Taiwanese VPI copy. It overheats after 9 records. I have used a small table top fan in the meantime, because I was too lazy to complete the whisper fan installation. However, that table top fan blows the room dust around.

 

RE: VPI 16.5 RCM leaking, posted on July 25, 2022 at 14:24:42
Capt. Z
Audiophile

Posts: 1270
Location: Mountains of NC
Joined: February 13, 2000
I have to second this recommendation. You need to take off the 4 screws that hold down the bottom plate and see where the leak is coming from. Otherwise we are just guessing and nothing will change your issue.

 

RE: Repair , posted on July 25, 2022 at 14:26:03
Capt. Z
Audiophile

Posts: 1270
Location: Mountains of NC
Joined: February 13, 2000
I also had the same problem. So I installed a cooling fan. Now I can clan as any records as I want without the overheating protection kicking in.

 

RE: Thanks for the confirmation. , posted on July 25, 2022 at 14:47:15
M3 lover
Audiophile

Posts: 6586
Location: SW Mich
Joined: May 29, 2005
Contributor
  Since:
July 4, 2007
Not that big a task. I believe you'd be glad you took the trouble.

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho

 

Vacuum motor leaking, posted on July 28, 2022 at 22:57:05
Funky Bob
Audiophile

Posts: 835
Joined: May 16, 2003
I unscrewed the bottom panel and did a leak test by pouring water into the tank. Water was dripping slowly out of vent holes of the vacuum motor. How do I fix this inexpensively since I bought it cheap? Everything is working fine except this issue. Thanks.




 

RE: Vacuum motor leaking, posted on July 29, 2022 at 13:36:16
wires
Manufacturer

Posts: 64
Joined: April 12, 2001
You can call VPI and get a new motor assembly.

 

RE: Vacuum motor leaking, posted on July 30, 2022 at 04:25:41
Funky Bob
Audiophile

Posts: 835
Joined: May 16, 2003
A new VPI motor costs more than what I paid for my 16.5. Is "generic" motor available? Thanks.

 

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