Tascam 388 makes loud squeaky noise

[brytrlytr]

Hello, I'm looking for some helpful advice in regards to my newly purchased 388. I believe it is my capstan that is making a really loud squeaky sound. This noise appears and disappears at random.
Does the motor need to be replaced? A dash of oil? I just read the tape I've been using is too heavy(Quantegy 456), could this be the problem?
This machine is really inspiring, but this squeaky noise is awful. Thanks for the help!

[DonF]

Could be the pinch roller needs replacing. Rubber parts harden as they age.

[brytrlytr]

The squeak only occurs when the tension arms are raised. Also the noise is coming from what I believe is the capstan, not the pinch roller(it's the spinning metal cylinder to the right of the tape heads. Has this sound happened to anyone else here?

[Herm]

You might try and take that wheel off and put a little oil on the shaft and see what happens. Its easy to do just unscrew the cap and it pulls right off.
But be careful when you take the cap off cause there is a little washer under neath of it.

[Wesleymino]

I use Quantegy 456 on my 388 and I experience the same problem. I'm inclined to think it is just the tape. On a positive note, if you keep your tape transports and heads clean, and you don't see a lot of shedding (gunk buildup on the metal parts) then you should be OK to use the tape. It won't effect the recordings (unless one of your mics picks up the squeaky noise). I know it's an awful sound, but it's more of an annoyance than anything, I have been able to use the tape in spite of it.

edit: You could look into a new pinch roller, as someone else suggested, I haven't tried that but it might help. Also, you could try some new tape, or a different brand.

[oldschool22]

I have the same high squeaky noise on my 388, It seems to be comming from the right reel. I had some other problems, (Super slow rewind and the sound was weak). Skips Music repair shop in Sac CA had it for two months then sent it to Tascam, They had it for four months. It rewinds but the tracks are still off and That SQUEAK is still there. There is and old guy at a local electronic repair shop in Modesto CA who fixted my frozen 144 like new. Im gunna let him have a crack at it.
I think it's time for those old school reel to reel repair guys to come out of retirement and hep us out.
Good luck.

[arjoll]

Squeaking and slow transport can indicate sticky shed - it would be a good idea to throughly clean the transport (throughly - if you think you've cleaned it enough, then do it again just to be sure) and then try some new or known good tape. New Quantegy 407/457 or something like known good Maxell 35-90B (which doesn't seem to have shed problems) would be good.

You're correct on the thickness, 456 is too thick for this machine (50 micron, its designed for 35 micron).