Yamaha MT8X Plays for Only 8 Seconds

Tony D

New member
Hi. I recently bought a used Yamaha MT8X 8-track cassette deck. (My cat pissed on the old one, but that's another thread.) The deck will play a 90-minute tape for 8 seconds and then stop.* It will play a 20 minute tape for 12 seconds (I assume because there is less resistance). Any diagnoses or suggestions?

All responses appreciated.

Tony

* A not very exciting video of this exists, but this website prevents me from including the link in my post.
 
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IIRC this occurs when the function/mode belt (the one from the function motor to the cam that puts the transport into the various rec/PB, FF, REW modes) has aged/stretched enough that it slips before rec/PB mode is completely engaged. The controller doesn't see the microswitch closure and shuts off after a few seconds to protect the tape. Have you put fresh belts in it?
 
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