KevinG wrote:OK, looks like I'm back in operation. I removed the speed control assembly, cleaned everything, and applied a wee bit of grease to the worm gear. Seems to run fine now.
Reducing speed is definitely more difficult than increasing (which is very smooth), especially as the speed gets way down there. I suspect this is due to the damaged teeth on the quadrant arm, which I will replace as soon as possible.
Consider this crisis closed out. Thanks again.
It is always more difficult to lower the speed than increase it. The reason is - when lowering the speed you are compressing that huge lower spring, the one on the motor shaft. Sometimes, if the resistance is noticeably greater near the lower speed, it is caused by a dirty motor shaft.
Here's a fix!! a) remove the belt cover when the machine has been stopped at low speed
b) oil the exposed shaft (hidden beneath the spring) and also oil the hole in the outer shaft. Use plenty of oil. More than a few drops!!!!
c) Using both hands, pull the outer sheave out to the end, compressing the spring. Do this exercise several times. You will probably feel the oil start to work.
d) Put some cardboard on the floor beneath the motor (or paper). Stand back and turn on the machine. Oil will spray on the tubes and on the floor. The idea is to not get any on your clothes or face.
e) Wipe down the tubes and re-wax them.
