Audio Systems: old stereo system, preamplifier section, jc pennys

Question
   I HAVE AN OLD JC. PENNYS AM,FM PHONOGRAPH AND EIGHT TRACK PLAYER.
   THE RADIO AND THE RECORD PLAYER WORKS WELL,(COULD USE A NEW STYLUS) THE 8 TRACK DOESNT WORK BUT THE REAL PROPBLEM IS I HAVE A SPEAKER THAT WANTS TO
EITHER NOT WORK AT ALL, OR BE REAL LOW IN VOLUME.
   I HAVE NOTICED THAT IF I PUSH THE FM BUTTON OR WIGGLE IT, THAT WILL FIX IT FOR A WHILE.
    NOT REAL WORRIED ABOUT IT. ITS IN MY GARAGE. AND I PLAY THE RADIO WHILE IAM TINKERING AROUND.
    JUST CURIOUS. FRED B  

Answer
Dear Fred,

Does the speaker only kick back in when you're playing the radio? How does it behave when you play an LP? (Replace the stylus--you can't replace the records...)

If it's only when the radio is on, from what you describe, you have either a malfunctioning or loose relay in the preamplifier section, which is causing the intermittent signal. It could simply be dirty or it could be worn out and need to be replaced. The only way to know is to have it examined by a pro. Be warned, however, fixing real old stuff is expensive, in my experience more expensive than simply replacing it.

Good luck. And thanks for choosing allexperts.com!

Kindest regards,

Kevin