Rega Motor Swap
Discussion
I have a Rega Planar 3 with RB300 arm (late eighties I reckon - it's my third; the first having been bought new from Westwood & Mason just after they were launched in 76-ish, so I guess you could say I like 'em).
It's now starting to slow down so it's time for a little work. I could probably just re-cap it, but I fancy a new 12v motor.
So, anyone done it?
Any hints, tips, or don'ts to share?
Cheers
It's now starting to slow down so it's time for a little work. I could probably just re-cap it, but I fancy a new 12v motor.
So, anyone done it?
Any hints, tips, or don'ts to share?
Cheers
In Regas of that age, you often find the only thing wrong is the pinion from the motor is slipping on the pulley where the belt fits.
A touch of superglue often fixes it !!
If you want to get some better performance you can buy a kit to upgrade to the current 24v motor.
https://www.rega.co.uk/accessories/24v-motor-upgra...
The instructions on the Rega website above should help you change the motor for another 12v one also.
A touch of superglue often fixes it !!
If you want to get some better performance you can buy a kit to upgrade to the current 24v motor.
https://www.rega.co.uk/accessories/24v-motor-upgra...
The instructions on the Rega website above should help you change the motor for another 12v one also.
If you just fancy a new motor then go for it, it's an easy install and does allow you to add the Neo power supply for electronic speed control at a later date.
However the motor in itself is unlikely to be a major upgrade unless yours is badly worn (very, very rare in my experience and I've serviced hundreds of Regas over the last 25 years or so). The new one does come with a thrust bearing to reduce vertical bearing slop, but it does also create a stronger magnetic field which can increase end of side hum with certain MM cartridges (curiously mainly the Rega Bias, Elys etc).
I still prefer the sound of the old O ring motor suspension, but it could be a pain at times, so I completely understand why the current sticky pad arrangement is used.
As has already been covered in the thread, 99.9% of the time it's an ailing cap (often can also randomly make the deck spin backwards on start up) or loose pulley (or belt, or missing ball bearing...) that's responsible for slow running, and never the actual motor.
Saying all this, they are still wonderfully reliable decks and looked after will last a lifetime
However the motor in itself is unlikely to be a major upgrade unless yours is badly worn (very, very rare in my experience and I've serviced hundreds of Regas over the last 25 years or so). The new one does come with a thrust bearing to reduce vertical bearing slop, but it does also create a stronger magnetic field which can increase end of side hum with certain MM cartridges (curiously mainly the Rega Bias, Elys etc).
I still prefer the sound of the old O ring motor suspension, but it could be a pain at times, so I completely understand why the current sticky pad arrangement is used.
As has already been covered in the thread, 99.9% of the time it's an ailing cap (often can also randomly make the deck spin backwards on start up) or loose pulley (or belt, or missing ball bearing...) that's responsible for slow running, and never the actual motor.
Saying all this, they are still wonderfully reliable decks and looked after will last a lifetime
If the bearing is in good shape (and has oil in it) then chances are the vacuum should hold the bearing in place for a while. But I would still use masking tape or clingfilm type wrapping tape to hold the sub platter in place. Better still, remove the ball and clean the bearing out with some alcohol, then reoil and refit upon completion.
Steve Kimberley said:
I have a Rega Planar 3 with RB300 arm (late eighties I reckon - it's my third; the first having been bought new from Westwood & Mason just after they were launched in 76-ish, so I guess you could say I like 'em).
It's now starting to slow down so it's time for a little work. I could probably just re-cap it, but I fancy a new 12v motor.
So, anyone done it?
Any hints, tips, or don'ts to share?
Cheers
O.T. I bought my rega from Westwood & Mason Too!It's now starting to slow down so it's time for a little work. I could probably just re-cap it, but I fancy a new 12v motor.
So, anyone done it?
Any hints, tips, or don'ts to share?
Cheers
lummox said:
Steve Kimberley said:
I have a Rega Planar 3 with RB300 arm (late eighties I reckon - it's my third; the first having been bought new from Westwood & Mason just after they were launched in 76-ish, so I guess you could say I like 'em).
It's now starting to slow down so it's time for a little work. I could probably just re-cap it, but I fancy a new 12v motor.
So, anyone done it?
Any hints, tips, or don'ts to share?
Cheers
O.T. I bought my rega from Westwood & Mason Too!It's now starting to slow down so it's time for a little work. I could probably just re-cap it, but I fancy a new 12v motor.
So, anyone done it?
Any hints, tips, or don'ts to share?
Cheers
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