Fixing a Hitachi AD-093 Lo-D Record Cleaner

Discussion in 'Home Audio Gear Chat Area' started by Mister X, Oct 22, 2020.

  1. Mister X

    Mister X Moderator Staff Member

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    I picked up a non-working Hitachi AD-093 Record Cleaner for cheap after reading about this neat little contraption. Basically it rotates around your record, while on the turntable, and cleans with a rotating brush. I was just looking for something simple upgrading from a Discwasher Brush.

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    My unit needed some maintance work starting with the battery compartment, I wasn't getting any voltage at the switch so I started by cleaning the battery terminals of the rust and corrosion. The switch is a leaf spring, being a big piece of metal, I made sure to also clean it's contact surfaces good. I still didn't get any motor movement but I was showing voltage.

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    Closer examination of the motor revealed rust on the shaft near the pulley and a seized motor. With a little help from some machine oil I was able to free the motor, under battery power I could get some stops and starts but not consistant movement, I helped the motor on the stalls and after 5-10 minutes I was able to get consistant rotation.

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    The motor has two belts, one for the brush and one for a wheel to turn the cleaner around the stationary record, the wheel belt makes contact with a SS axel shaft to turn it. The drive wheel was having a hard time turning,the belts were a little old and harder, usable, but it needed to be softer for more grip. I pulled out an old bottle of Rubber Drive Cleaner and gave the belt a good cleaning.

    Good news, everything is working fine, this is a neat little unit but most of these problems are relatable to most of the equipment we use, in my case there were three separate issues to get it running. My tools are shown, oil, cleaner, JIS screwdriver set and a magnatizer for the screwdrivers.

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  2. gmjwtech

    gmjwtech New Member

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    Thank you for your post and insights of the cleaner.

    I have just watched a YT-Video of that useful gadget



    So I wonder if the working noise is relatively loud or if it is only because of the closer mic while the vid was recorded?

    I also wonder where the dust goes?

    Is there possibly a small container inside, like in a hoover?
     
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  3. Mister X

    Mister X Moderator Staff Member

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    Yep, they're loud, just like a toy car from back then.

    The slotted side can be removed, the dirt "should" collect there but the slots are open.

    I moved on to a Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner since this little guy, by far the best bang for your buck record cleaner.
    https://www.vevor.com/ultrasonic-cl...machine-complete-w-drying-rack-p_010265133877

    I've also been known to use a Makita Cordless Small Blower and DiscWasher Brush when short for time, that really gets rid of the small particles but not the dried dirt/Coke.
     

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