[DavGoodlin]

I just patiently worked on three early-70s low-end changers; a GE-made stereo one with dust cover and two Emerson portables with identical BSR changers, 16-ohm 3x5 speakers and wimpy IC audio amps. I want to sell them at a community yard sale in a few days.

While none were siezed and turned at proper speed, I lubed and cleaned them anyway, but there are still issues.
The GE tracks at 12 grams, double what is specified for the cartridge. It will also keep repeat playing a record and won't shut off. Only a spring with three hook-tabs is used to set tracking force, so i'll look for a stronger one.
Both Emerson/BSRs track right at 6g, The mono one cycles and runs as designed. The stereo one has no automatic action yet nothing is obviously mechanically different from the one that does work.
The grease in these BSRs looked like amber pine-tree sap. I used 3 in 1 oil to re-lube.

All three got replacement stylus' for $5.50 each and they will play records, which should be clean. If I get $15-20 a piece, great. I have a dozen other much older and better changers that need work... and money.

BTW-I read a maintenance bulletin at work that recommends brake fluid and trans fluid mix as the ultimate nut-buster.
Of course, it should be dispensed with a syringe as brake fluid would wreck plastic and just about anything else.