1/4" Reel to Reel help needed!

[jjones1700]

As YDR described it, it's a mechanical problem, not a board issue.

Tim

I know, I was just stating that the Akai's aren't the most friendly machines to work with on the inside.

 

[jjones1700]

Okay folks, here they are... and in taking the pics i've maybe answered my own question ("replace the Capstan" anyone?)


My new toy...

Dirty Capstan?...

And this is where i start panicking... i noticed on two sections of the Capstan, small dents in the rubber where it appears the previous owner may have left the machine in pause for a long period of time causing the capstan shaft to indent the rubber... could this be it? And more importantly, am i screwed??...

Apologies in advance for the size of the pics.

YDR

Wow. A good cleaning is in order. pinch rollers aren't supposed to be brown. If I'm seeing things correctly, it looks like you have some bad spots on that roller too. If the roller has indentions or flat spots on it, it will need to be replaced. Don't use alcohol to clean the roller as it can/will dry out the rubber (if it isn't already) and lead to replacement. There is another thread in here discussing the various cleaners, etc.

Get the brown dust/residue off the roller and capstan (what the roller contacts, which is what actually pulls the tape through) and see what happens. There has be some definite slippage going on there.

 

[poopchute]

I personally would just send that roller off to Terrys Rubber Rollers. And either have him put new rubber on it or possibly buy a brand new one from him if he has that model new. But at the least you can get a relapped roller. Besides you dont know where that old rollers been.
And considering the condition of the roller, a good demag wouldnt hurt. And NO buying a demag just to use for this machine is money well spent. Besides youll need one if you really plan on using the machine alot.
And nothing Ive "suggested" can do any harm to your machine, except the demaging, and thats only if you do it wrong and have the plug come out of the wall whilest doing the demag. So you should find out the proper way to use the demag wand.

 

[jjones1700]

I personally would just send that roller off to Terrys Rubber Rollers.

I was so going to say something about Terry's rollers, but didn't have the link handy when I posted last time.

http://www.terrysrubberrollers.com/

 

[Tim Gillett]

Those indentations are caused by a tape jamming in play mode, and the capstan grinding away the rubber on either edge of the tape. It doesnt necessarily cause playing problems as the tape is also being pressed onto the capstan directly, where there appear to be no indentations on the roller.

Your initial problem was the poor highs unless you put extra tension on the supply reel.
It's not really clear from the pic but it looks as if there might still be muck on your heads. Certainly is on the erase head. I echo the previous comments that you really need to get those heads immaculately clean, and it may take a bit of time and effort to scrub that brown stuff off.
Remember, it's the central vertical line along the head where the action is. It can be sterile clean everywhere else but a tiny spec of dirt along that centeline can ruin your whole day. Use a magnifier if needed.

Cheers Tim