I'm trying to install a belt on an RCA LAB-1200 turntable. I canot locate a service manual or any diagram that shows how to install it. Any help would be appreciated.
Basic instructions for changing a belt are; first, lock down the tonearm for the safety of the stylus tip (if the stylus assembly is removable or has a stylus guard you can use, do so while you work with the table) then ...
1) remove the platter mat 2) slowly spin the platter clockwise until one of the top plate holes is above the main motor spindle 3) remove the belt from the motor spindle and allow it to sit on the underside of the platter's driving edge 4) pull up on the platter using the two holes on each side of the platter's top plate 5) remove the old belt and put in place the new belt 6) reverse this procedure, placing the belt over the main spindle after lowering the platter into place
On a very few belt drive tables there might be a "C" clip on the main bearing's center spindle (the portion of the spindle which receives the hole in the LP) You'll need to use a pair of "C" clip pliers to remove this clip before you can remove the platter from the main spindle. Be careful when removing this clip as it has a tendency to fly off into the netherworld once tension has been released on the clip.
Another problem you might encounter is a frozen platter which has locked itself to the main spindle through the process of oxidation over time. Using a few drops of penetrating oil and allowing the oil to sit and work on the oxidation should take care of this if you are the patient type. If you are not the patient type, you're likely to damage the table.