Thanks for this Chris

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You pretty well nailed exactly what I had done.? I did not want to mention this for fear anything said might influence anyone to not respond if they had a different way of tackling this problem.

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The organ is the X-77 with both the matching Leslie and a 147.

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Trying to isolate an area where the "noise" was coming from, was only guessing when sitting on the bench.? When looking at the assembly from the back, with the top "plate" attached, it was pretty well impossible to see let alone try to figure out a way to identify the culprit bearing(s). The only "easy" way to access under this plate was to cut each of the wires on the "inner side" of the top plate (the side toward the keyboard).? There was only the one lead on this side, on each "bank" going to either a cap or cap/coil assy ....so 24 in all.? This allowed me to lift the one side of the plate to expose the entire tonewheel assembly.

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Then using an extension cord (to control power on/off from the back), very quick connection to power just to initiate some "spinning", I could not only immediately confirm the noise coming from the RHS (I'm now at the back looking forward), but immediately straight to the "area" ....as the spin slowed.? I only needed/wanted a slow spin and then coast to a stop, rather than the whole tone wheel area screaming/squealing and noise coming from all over the place ...because the noise can simply transmit down the culprit shaft(s) as well.

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I could not tell "which" bearing(s) were making the noise.

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Because the bearing noise is likely due to a "dry" condition and also potentially now an over-size or obround shaft/bearing clearance condition, my preference was to use a heavier weight, more viscous oil rather than the Hammond oil.? My understanding is the Hammond oil is designed to used for "wicking". Additives like waxes would eventually hinder the wicking? ....but if applying directly to a bearing, this is not a concern.

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I used the most viscous lube I have which is a 30W Way Oil ...which is design to "stick" to/on "ways" found on machine tools (lathes, mills, etc). I used a syringe to apply directly on one bearing at a time ("design of experiments" principles).? I started on the end bearing closest to me, and applied a little lube on both sides (ends) of the bearing and quickly applied power and immediately disconnected ..again, just to get the tonewheel assy turning to make the noise.? This first bearing changed nothing.? This is a "lay shaft", so the opposite end then needed the same treatment. Again, a quick/short power up, changed nothing.

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The "next" reachable shaft in this "first bank" was on the opposite side (toward the keys), again, a lay shaft.? When repeating the procedure, I immediately identified a change to the noise from the outside bearing. It was significantly reduced.? I then repeated on the bearing on the opposite end of this lay shaft and the noise all but disappeared.? I had found the primary culprit bearings as being the lay shaft at the opposite end of the drive motor.

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However, not ALL the noise was gone. As it turned out, the next bearing, furthest away from oiling point, was on the drive shaft.? An application of oil on this one bearing and ALL the noise was gone.

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I have since let the organ run for several hours and turned off to allow it to cool, and repeated this few times now.? There has been one instance where a very faint noise has started, which prompted me to add some lube to all three bearings ...and herein lies the problem of potentially needed to continually need to add lubrication to these three bearings.? ?If this is what needs to be done, then I will design some kind of system that will put lube directly on to these three bearings when needed.

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At one point I looked at the entire assy and recognized this is NOT a "friendly" assy to work with. As you pointed out, Hammond would have jigs and fixtures along with a very elaborate assy instruction.

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What I am wondering is if there is a lubrication product that is designed to "fill" voids or "over-size" conditions, that might offer some form of a more permanent "repair" to worn bearings. This would be "shaft-to-bearing" fit.? Something that might be perhaps "anerobic"?? ? ? Would anyone know if there is such a product available specifically for worn bearings?? ?I have looked and found different products, but I can't tell if they are for this kind of "repair" or they are meant to be applied to the outside (OD) of the bearing only.

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I have used a 30W lubrication with success.? I could easily consider 50W lube as well ...but my quest is a permanent fix.

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Anyone have any other ideas?

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Thanks

Wayne

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PS - now that the tone wheel assembly is fully exposed, I will be applying oil to every bearing from both sides. If may not be necessary, but there should be no harm to doing this ....unless someone knows otherwise.? I look forward to any comments with previous experience/successes.

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