What oil for VPI HW19 turntable?

Why do you figure a need for an oil change?

One changes oil in a car because of the very high temperatures that break down the oil. Dirt from road use and combustion byproducts can contaminate the oil, and slow leaks and the combustion process can cause the oil level to drop below the needed amount.

None of these things are really true in a turntable situation. The primary issue there is the oil is so old that its viscosity has changed due to evaporation of the volatile components.

If you can disassemble the component, you might wipe it off with a clean cloth prior to re-oiling.

In that case, it is not really an issue of "changing" the oil as adding some more. A light machine oil is likely the proper one to use, but only the manufacturer can tell you for sure what is recommended.

Actually, if what's in there is original, or someone else' idea, you should change it.

Remove the platter from the bearing well being caerful not to lose the ball. Unscrew the cap at the bottom of the well. Use mineral spirits on a lint free cloth like Handi-Wipes to clean out what is probably dark thick gunk.

Drip 5 drops of Mobil One 10W-40 on the spindle shaft and 3 more drops in the well. Rotate a few times, watch for spillage. Done.

That's what VPI recommends in the MK IV Manual.

Thank you.

I think VPI recommends adding oil (not changing it) once a year. I have been doing that and have not had any problems. I use VPI oil/grease. I have a Superscoutmaster, so I use the oil for the motors and put some grease at the platter bearing. I suggest getting the supplies direct from VPI since it comes with assurance that it is the right stuff.

VPI no doubt still sells the conventional bearing oil lube that was used for the HW-19. Mike at VPI, being the good guy he is also recommended that Mobil 1 would be a good substitute as well. I don't think one would have any problem with the multi-viscosity blends, such as 5/30-10/30-10/40.

I think the important thing is, with these bearings, is getting in the regular habit of periodically doing a clean, and lube. I don't suggest removing the bearing well's bottom thrust plate for routine lubrication, because you will be altering VTA, and as well, could cause possible leakage at the thrust plate.

Long Q-Tips work well for wiping out the bearing well, get it as clean as possible, before aplying new lubricant. Inspect the .250" Ball on the Bearing Shaft for wear, and replace either with a new metal ball from VPI, or replace with a ceramic ball from somebody like Boca Bearing.

What happens after awhile with these conventional style bearings, is that due to gravity, lubrication leaves the upper area of the bearing, thus causing eventual wear of the bearing sleeve bushing. Running the bearing totally dry will also cause eventual wear-galling of both the bearing ball, and thrust plate.

This periodic lubrication, let's say every 5-6 months will lessen-alleviate any possibilityu of wear, as well as enhance performance, and lessen any bearing shaft rock within the well.

Also clean the Bearing shaft, remove the ball if you can clean everything, and use a very small dab of grease withing the bearing ball hole to retain it upon re-installation into the bearing well.

Use a very very light coat on the shaft, and maybe add 2 drops down into the well. Over-application will be easy to determine, as you'll have quite a bit of oozing of oil occuring at the Bearing Weall Flange. Never force the Bearing Shaft back in, let it settle gradually over a period of minutes. It will eventually seat, then you can re-install the Platter, and Belt. Hope this helps. Mark