NEQ6 in need of a service

[Bob Dobber]

Hi all - I have an NEQ6 that is on at least its third owner now and looks to be over 10 years old (I don't know how to identify/carbon date such things) and it has started to be less-than-great even with a modest load on top. With the SharpStar 61 tiddler on, I can get away with it, but if I put the MN190 on it (admittedly a big boy) it really doesn't like it, and think that the backlash in Dec in particular defeats it. 

 

As you can tell from my witterings there, I am no expert on the workings of mounts, although having built up several bicycles and built over 20 pairs of bicycle wheels, I am not exactly a numpty when it comes to handling a torque wrench, however the thought of servicing it myself terrifies me. Not least because I don't really have the time, and I worry I won't put it all back together and/or make it worse.

 

Does anyone have any form of pep talk or suggestion for me here?? Ideally I would like it "better" before galaxy season so I can actually use the 190. No one seems to want to touch it (it is belt modded) and even if a certain "expert" on the south coast wasn't fully booked up, the more I read about them the less I want to risk it. But then is me doing it even riskier...

 

TIA for any thoughts/advice! 🙂  

[Bottletopburly]

The reviews on the  expert on the south coast doesn’t fair too well , have a look at grahams video , 

 

Edited October 2, 2022 by Bottletopburly

[+RonC]

Grahams video seconded!

 

[Bob Dobber]

2 hours ago, Bottletopburly said:

The reviews on the  expert on the south coast doesn’t fair too well , have a look at grahams video , 

 

 

Have you guys actually used this video then? It's a pretty long one to watch in advance, but if that's what I need to do that's what I'll do (if I get the courage to do this).

 

Is there a list of "parts" somewhere? The Astro Baby guide is usually well regarded, but think I'd prefer a video TBH. Wondering whether to replace bearings too - I seem to recall I priced up how much all the bearings would actually cost and it was not an insigificant sum!! Some of the bearings are big units 😕 

 

 

[Bottletopburly]

29 minutes ago, Bob Dobber said:

 

Have you guys actually used this video then? It's a pretty long one to watch in advance, but if that's what I need to do that's what I'll do (if I get the courage to do this).

 

Is there a list of "parts" somewhere? The Astro Baby guide is usually well regarded, but think I'd prefer a video TBH. Wondering whether to replace bearings too - I seem to recall I priced up how much all the bearings would actually cost and it was not an insigificant sum!! Some of the bearings are big units 😕 

 

 

It’s graham on here video I’m sure he could direct you in the right direction with any questions , maybe just needs a clean regrease and backlash adjustment fully loaded with your scope 

[Bob Dobber]

Ohhhh I see! It's a friendly's video 🙂 I may have to just summon up the courage and do it. Half term coming up, watch it be clear cloudless skies the second I undo the first bolt....

[Clive]

If you've ever done any repairs on a pre electronic era car you shouldn't have a problem, consider the video as the equivalent to a Haynes manual! As always, just ensure you have all the appropriate tools before you start?

[Bob Dobber]

30 minutes ago, Clive said:

If you've ever done any repairs on a pre electronic era car you shouldn't have a problem, consider the video as the equivalent to a Haynes manual! As always, just ensure you have all the appropriate tools before you start?

 

Hmm, sort of re: Haynes manual. Never felt that confident really. It's how do I know what the appropriate tools are, too, I guess?

 

I'll watch the vid maybe, then I'll have no excuse.

Edited October 2, 2022 by Bob Dobber

[Clive]

27 minutes ago, Bob Dobber said:

...I'll watch the vid...

Yes, you always needed to go though the full Haynes manual procedure first to check you had all the tools, otherwise you got to paragraph 51 with the car in bits and realised you wouldn't be able put it back together again without that specialised tool that was needed!

[Bob Dobber]

2 minutes ago, Clive said:

Yes, you always needed to go though the full Haynes manual procedure first to check you had all the tools, otherwise you got to paragraph 51 with the car in bits and realised you wouldn't be able put it back together again without that specialised tool that was needed!

 

Well yes, but that might not have taken 1.5 hours I suppose? 😜 I know it's false economy not to watch it through, but toddler absorbs so much of my time that it's in precious little supply! 🤦

[+Graham]

PM'd you Rob

[Bob Dobber]

Well I did it! All successfully back together and just need to tweak Dec backlash very slightly (don't we always). But thanks loads to Graham for his video. Getting those motors back on would've been impossible without the tweezers trick I reckon!!