The problem that Michael Waters may be experiencing with his Ampico motor
switch may not be the switch at all.  Assuming the Ampico is a grand, the
problem is most likely in the take-up spool bearing, and the hole in
the left side of the take-up spool.

To test this, remove the hose from the nipple that hooks to the take-up
spool and crimp the hose.  Turn on the motor, and if it keeps going, the
problem is in this bearing.  To remedy this, remove the take-up spool,
gently pry out the bearing, and drop it in a small jar of gasoline, and
let it soak.

Meanwhile, remove all the leather washers that are packed in the hole of
the end of the take-up spool, and clean them in gasoline too.  When they
are clean, place the leather washers on a board, and pound them slightly
with a hammer and grease them lightly with bearing grease, and place them
back in their original position.  Remove the metal bearing which contains
ball bearings, and make sure it is clean, and force a small bit of grease
into the ball bearings.  Put it back together and it should work fine.

If not, we proceed further.  In one Ampico I serviced, the metal nipple
tube leading to the take-up spool had a very small crack in the metal.
It was hard to detect, but when found was easy to mend with an epoxy
mending material, and as far as I know the piano is still going fine.  If
this does not remedy the problem, write again, and we will see if we can
give you further assistance.

Bruce A. Clark¶
bac4@juno.com