Brenell Mark 5 problem

[rkm32]

Hi, this is on behalf of a friend who's having a problem with a Brenell Mk 5 which he's owned from new. It runs ok on fast-forward and rewind, but when he tries to playback or record, there's just a little jerk and it won't run. We'd appreciate any advice.

 

[jpmorris]

Sounds like a capstan problem. These decks seem to be three-motor models, but I cannot work out if the capstan motor is direct drive, belt-drive or if it uses idler wheels.

If it's a direct-drive system, the problem is either going to be the motor itself (which might be possible to have rebuilt) or support components, e.g. a motor run capacitor may need to be replaced.
Otherwise, belts and idler wheels have a tendency to disintegrate. There are folks who can rebuild rubber idler wheels. Belts would be hard to find, but I'm not convinced it's a belt-drive system on this deck.

The other possibility is that the capstan is working fine, but the pinch roller is shot. It should be possible to remove the head cover so you can see what is actually going on, that might give you a better clue. See if the capstan is actually rotating or not.


You might also want to ask this guy for ideas: The Brenell tape recorder

 

[Bobbsy]

My old Brennell (which I should never have sold) had two different drive belt systems, one for the capstan for record/playback and a secondary one for shuttle. I suspect you may find a broken belt (or, if you're luck) one just off the pulley. If it jerks but doesn't move, you may be lucky!

ETA: Just looked up the Mk. 5 and see it's a quarter inch one...mine was a one inch 8 track so dis-regard what I said...though it might be worth taking the back cover off and checking belts and pullies.

Bob