Thanks for the input. I called VPI and talked to Mike. He identified the motor as a 300 RPM unit because of the size of the pulley, then asked me to see if there was any vertical play in the pulley shaft. There wasn't, so he suggested a couple of drops of oil and to let the motor run over night spinning the platter. After a couple of hours, the whirring sound as gone away. Mike said the pulley shaft or bearing will dry out and need lubricating. He suggested LubriMatic white lithium grease from Home Depot for the platter bearing.
Drew Harty
Drew Harty