4-track dead from dust?

[Rexmundi]

I just took my 424 MkII out of the closet after almost three years and realized it wasnt covered. Needless to say it is filled with dust. When I try to play or record a tape, it stops automatically after ten seconds. Is it gone forever?

 

[A Reel Person]

...

Sounds like the capstan drive belt has gone bad. It's a fairly easy & minor repair, feasible for the DIY'er, and should not be too expensive for actual tech time to repair.