Question about M-102

Hi there,

I just received a Hammond M-102 for what I considered to be an excellent price ($75). There are a few concerns I have, though, and hopefully someone here can help.

1 - The power cord has a very brittle feel to it. It seems as though the coating that was around it has rotted away, exposing much of the wire beneath. I've electric-taped it up for the time being, but should I just replace the cable, or will tape be fine?

2 - Inside the back, it is extremely dusty, from where it had been sitting, unused for several years. What should I do about cleaning it out.

3 - I've powered it up a couple times. The first time, it stayed on for about 2 minutes, then kinda fizzled away. The second time, it wouldn't power up at all. I would switch the start, wait a few seconds for the rotors (or whatever they are) to steady out, the flip up the run, but it would never "catch," if you get my drift. Then yesterday, I got it to power up again and it stayed on the entire time, no problem. However, each of the three times I've messed with it, there is some sort of ... I don't know how to describe it as anything other than grinding ... noise that stays on the entire time once you flip the start up. I turned it on with the back facing out, and looked around behind trying to see if I could see anything in particular causing it, but I couldn't.

Any suggestions on all this?

Thanks,

Brandon

PS - This is my first Hammond, I'm very excited about it, and would like to have it in full working order, so any help at all would be appreciated.

Oh, and also, what are some good web sites for taking care of, working on, and modding Hammonds?

And another question:

I just read that I need to oil it. I'm sure I probably should have done that before trying to fire it up for the first time in years. Where do I go to get said oil, and how-much-and-where do I put the oil once I have it in my possession?

I know someone out there has to have some thoughts or suggestions on this.

Start Here:

http://theatreorgans.com/hammond/faq/models.html

Then follow some of the links here:

http://organfreak.tripod.com/

And save the best for last:

http://b3groove.org/links.php

You will definitely want to replace that rotted power cable. Don't rely on tape.

You will definitely want to clean out the back. Keep in mind that the dust may very well be toxic, and wear a mask. Clean it in a well ventilated area.

Hammond oil is the only oil to use. Don't try to substitute anything else no matter who tells you that their granny used to use melted Crisco or whatever.

You can get the real stuff from Goff Professional or other internet dealers.

Thanks guys.

mate_stuff, what about something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/B3-HAMMOND-ORGAN-OIL-8-year-supply-for-tonewheel-organs_W0QQitemZ7421342870QQcategoryZ64429QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Is that legit?

Probably, but try Goff instead:

http://www.goffprof.com/shopping.jsp?p=39

Cheaper, too!