Noisy capstan!

  • Thread starter Thread starter j.harv
  • Start date Start date
j.harv

j.harv

@#$%
Hey hey.
Im just doing a little bit of recording on my 388 and the capstan has now started
to make a kind of chattering noise.This first started to happen when the capstan was
"idling".And now it happens when in play and rec.
Sounds like it might just need oiling.
Can the capstan be lubed???:drunk:
If so,would the regular 3 in 1 type of oil work???
 
Use lube sparingly but get Zoom Spout oil at ACE Hardware.

Might want to check the capstan cover as well. Might be dirty and spinning oddly.
 
Not what you'll want to hear, but worn capstan/capstan bearing can do the same thing. If the oil doesn't work, you can try removing the capstan, coating it with some heavy grease then reinstalling it, and obviously thoroughly cleaning the part that comes in contact with the tape. If this resolves or lessens the issue, start shopping for replacement parts.
 
Yeeeouch!!!!
It seems it might be the bearing.I've lubed 'er up,but its still chattering away.
I just carefully put a couple drops of oil for electric motors on the base of the capstan shaft and it seem to penetrate down inside.
Is there and easy way of removing the capstan or is it a flip the unit on its side and open from the bottom type job.???

Are capstans for the 388 still available from TEAC????
 
Well,I decided to flip'er up and take the bottom cover off.
Spun the fly wheel by hand and no noises.
The thing I did notice though,was I gently pulled the flywheel and there is some play.
I could pull it toward me about 3/16".Im guessing there has to be some movement but is this too much???
I also lifted the tension arm to set the capstan moving.There was no more squealing/chattereing noise.I figured maybe because I have the 388 on its side.So I lowered the 388 down flat as much as I could with one arm and lifted the tension arm again.The capstan spun with no noise.
So I'll have to see what happens when put back together.
 
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Got it put back together and lying flat.The noise has stopped.
Hopefully for good.Maybe just from putting it on its side and moving it around is what cured it.???:confused:
 
There is frequently capstan bottom bearing adjustment specified in the Service Manuals.

Get a copy of the S/M and check that out.

If the pitch changed as you said then maybe it's not the bearing but the adjustment point that rests on the bottom of capstan shaft.
 
Thanks for the link.I have bought that one a few months back.
I'll look into that adjustment.
Thanks.
 
I was unaware of the capstan adjustments until I was recently working on my 122 cassette player.
 
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