roxgrrl
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2009
Posts: 17
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Post by roxgrrl on Jan 22, 2015 18:13:56 GMT -5
Hello all...It's been AGES since I've posted, or had my tumbler running. I'm BAAACK...With issues. I have a Lortone QT-6 (circa 1950's). I started a load a few days ago and immediately noticed the barrel would stall without manually "helping it along". Greased rollers, adjusted/lubed knurled nut bracket. Today, I realized that I neglected to weigh the barrel before starting it (it was at 9.75lbs when 3/4 full). I emptied a little over two pounds from it, re-greased the nut and restarted it. It's running, but seriously laboring to turn. I de-burred the outer lid edge and inspected the rollers...slightly worn on the lid side, but the red rubbber/plastic coating on them seems intact. Any ideas? I figured weight wouldn't be an issue since the QT-66 runs on the same motor (should be able to handle 12lbs)...Perhaps I'm expecting too much out of this old machine. I definitely can't afford a new one, and I've grown quite fond of this one. Anyone aware of any other things to check? Should I be taking the C-clips off from the rollers and inspecting the inner surface for wear? Looked up the manufacturer's manual online, but didn't find much advice beyond a parts list. Thanks, all!
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jan 22, 2015 18:35:49 GMT -5
I had a similar problem with my Lortone 33b. I took the c-clips off to find that the plastic bearings had worn all the way through and the metal frame had cut a groove in my roller rods. I bought new bearing thingies and new rods and it's good as new.
You did check the belt, right?
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jan 22, 2015 18:37:21 GMT -5
Here's the thread about my problem.
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roxgrrl
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2009
Posts: 17
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Post by roxgrrl on Jan 22, 2015 18:57:31 GMT -5
Ahhhhh, thank you, Rob! I was hoping I wouldn't have to dig in that far, but your description and previous feed about this problem matches my situation to a "T". I assumed the belt was fine, but I'll check it again (only had 10 hours of run time on it since I replaced it). Where is the best place to order new plastic bushings, etc.? I may as well order another belt while I'm at it and some more plastic pellets. Know of a good online one-stop shop?
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grizman
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since July 2011
Posts: 878
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Post by grizman on Jan 22, 2015 19:04:50 GMT -5
There might be better places, but I get most of my stuff (parts) from the Rock Shed. They have most of what a person may need, and reasonable prices. That's just my take on where to shop.
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Post by captbob on Jan 22, 2015 19:11:34 GMT -5
I've found that belts don't fair well in hot environments. Yours may have expanded if it was stored in such a place. Another thing I noticed is that the pulley that the belt runs on may become slick from oil or dirt from the machine and surrounds. Try cleaning the pully while it is running with a Q-tip until the Q-tip comes away clean.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jan 22, 2015 21:38:08 GMT -5
I got my replacement parts from the Rock Shed.
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,546
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Post by tkvancil on Jan 23, 2015 11:28:24 GMT -5
When tumblers "labor" to turn it's usually the belt or motor. Won't hurt to check the bearings, but if that's the original motor it may be done for.
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roxgrrl
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2009
Posts: 17
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Post by roxgrrl on Jan 26, 2015 13:40:20 GMT -5
Took the ENTIRE tumbler apart. All four bushings cracked and rollers severely worn. Brand new belt the last time I ran it (about four years ago). Ordered new bushings and rollers from the Rock Shed. Cleaned up the pulleys--A ton of rust and grit residue...If that doesn't work, I'll order a new motor. This thing is so old and has so many miles on it, it wouldn't surprise me if the entire thing needs to be rebuilt. At least the galvanized chasis cleaned up well, lol.
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Post by captbob on Jan 26, 2015 15:40:12 GMT -5
You ordered all that stuff and didn't get a new belt too? I realize that you said it was a brand new belt -four years ago- but as I wrote above, belts wear out even when not in use. Especially, if you left the belt set up to run. Meaning didn't remove it from the pulleys. If your fixes with the parts you already bought don't work, I'd sure try the belt before ordering a new motor.
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,339
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Post by quartz on Jan 26, 2015 23:11:49 GMT -5
May be the motor needs oiled too. The oil dries some over time when it's setting. 5-10 drops in each oiler hole. If no oiler holes, a couple drops right where the shaft comes out of the housing. My wife was almost given a 6lb. tumbler [CHEAP] a few years ago. It struggled to run, seller said "cold belt". Oiled up the motor, runs great.
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blessed
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by blessed on Jan 27, 2015 10:06:15 GMT -5
I have had the same problem quartz mentioned, dry bushings in motor, with my 33B'S. A little oil might help, if not then order motor. James B
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,676
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Post by Fossilman on Jan 27, 2015 11:29:37 GMT -5
Lortone carries all old parts too................Mine was stalling too,but was only the rubber bushings needing a cleaning and sandpaper the rollers....
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MrCoffee
has rocks in the head
Member since December 2005
Posts: 634
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Post by MrCoffee on Jan 31, 2015 2:42:42 GMT -5
Took the ENTIRE tumbler apart. All four bushings cracked and rollers severely worn. Brand new belt the last time I ran it (about four years ago). Ordered new bushings and rollers from the Rock Shed. Cleaned up the pulleys--A ton of rust and grit residue...If that doesn't work, I'll order a new motor. This thing is so old and has so many miles on it, it wouldn't surprise me if the entire thing needs to be rebuilt. At least the galvanized chasis cleaned up well, lol. Can you upload a photo of the tumbler? I'd like to see it. Back in the late 1970's, I had a Lortone QT-6, but left it with relatives and never claimed it back. It got sold with a bunch of other stuff at a rummage sale, in exchange for a car I had at the time.
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