Beogram 8000, can be started without record

My beogram 8000, can be started without record. 

When hitting the start/play button the Beogram will start and lower the cartridge onto the platter, even when a record i missing!

Is that normal?

No, not normal at all.

Antistatic mat on the platter ?  (BIG mistake on any Beogram !!)
Broken sensorarm lamp (Do you have a spot of light shining down from under the sensorarm ?)
Bad sensorarm lamp position.
Missing or painted aluminium surround ?
Strong ambient light ?
Old capacitors ?
Cracked solder joints ?

Martin

Antistatic mat on the platter ? No!

Broken sensorarm lamp ? No.

(Do you have a spot of light shining down from under the sensorarm ?) Yes

Bad sensorarm lamp position? Don't know. How do I check?

Missing or painted aluminium surround ? No.

Strong ambient light ? No.

Old capacitors ? Yes

Cracked solder joints ? Haven't checked.

Capacitors and solder joints first, then.
Any eventual remaining faults can't be safely diagnosed with the old caps still in circuit while
connections other places come and go.

Martin

Do you have a cap kit for this machine?

Yes. Email me.

Martin