1937 Zenith 5S127 from the SARS swap meet

[TUD1]

I went to the SARS swap meet with Danny today, and I lucked out. First I bought a Zenith Transoceanic H600 for $45 and sold it minutes later for $80. Then I traded my old Philco 84B and 41-225 and $100 for this beautiful Zenith. I'm very happy that it worked out this way. I will be cleaning it up and putting it in daily use.

[TUD1]

I'm having several problems with the tuner in this radio. It was working great until it entered my presence. The worst problem right now is that somehow, the tuning cap got messed up and now, whenever you try to tune it, it just pops and clicks and the audio fades in and out. I want this radio to be the best it can be because it is my first Zenith tabletop set. And because I paid lots of money for it. Here is a video.

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by TUD1

I'm having several problems with the tuner in this radio. It was working great until it entered my presence. The worst problem right now is that somehow, the tuning cap got messed up and now, whenever you try to tune it, it just pops and clicks and the audio fades in and out. I want this radio to be the best it can be because it is my first Zenith tabletop set. And because I paid lots of money for it. Here is a video.

That's a very nice Zenith model. You're not alone with sets not working after you transport them home. Had it happen to me many times, especially with vintage TV's. Especially after taking the chassis out to dust it off and clean the cabinet. I always just hand it over to my long-time repair-guy. He always says the same thing in these situations -"probably something stupid" and it usually is.
Good luck!

[Titan1a]

Sounds like a dirty tuning cap. These require lots and lots of tuner spraying.

[Electronic M]

I've had loose/dirty tube sockets make sets play dead after just a stroll across the room...I usually wiggle the tubes on sets that randomly quit. If it ain't recapped it could be a cap let go.

[TUD1]

Oh I forgot to tell y'all. I fixed it! The problem was indeed something stupid. The guy who had it before me changed the tuning belt to a oil filter o-ring. Only he didn't take the time to do it correctly. He just cut the o-ring and reglued it around the pulley. After this didn't work, he put an extra spring on the belt tensioner. That extra spring was grounding out the volume pot. I removed the spring, and it works flawlessly. And yes, I gave it a hefty helping of tuner spray.

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by TUD1

Oh I forgot to tell y'all. I fixed it! The problem was indeed something stupid. The guy who had it before me changed the tuning belt to a oil filter o-ring. Only he didn't take the time to do it correctly. He just cut the o-ring and reglued it around the pulley. After this didn't work, he put an extra spring on the belt tensioner. That extra spring was grounding out the volume pot. I removed the spring, and it works flawlessly. And yes, I gave it a hefty helping of tuner spray.

Good to hear you have it up and going! Enjoy it.

[Titan1a]

Great job!