Otari 2-track is sluggish on FWD/REV

[qwarks]

Got an older Otari MX55 recently at a bargain

Everything is working properly except the FWD and REV is sluggish.
Depending on which reel has the most tape, either function has to be
repeatedly restarted; only shuttling for a few seconds, before stopping.

Play is fine; spooling the tape continuously.

With no tape threaded both reel motors function normally, only when there's
a reel on there is when a given side will act up .

Thoughts ?

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Does it do this with a brand new, never used, recently manufactured roll of tape and is the transport completely clean and free of oxide build up on all the heads, guides, lifters and rollers?

Is there any degree of squealing or abnormal sound coming from the tape itself as it mechanically passes over the transport?

If not/so, I might suspect sticky shed syndrome on this?

Cheers!

 

[Vintage TX]

Sounds like the reel-tables are pushed in.
Did you check that ?

 

[qwarks]

Does it do this with a brand new, never used, recently manufactured roll of tape and is the transport completely clean and free of oxide build up on all the heads, guides, lifters and rollers?

Is there any degree of squealing or abnormal sound coming from the tape itself as it mechanically passes over the transport?

If not/so, I might suspect sticky shed syndrome on this?

Cheers!

Hi Ghost !

I cleaned the transport, rollers, and tape path before putting on a fresh reel
of tape. No squealing or noise even in regular play mode. Quiet machine.

Depending on which reel (supply or take up) has more tape the tape does
not want to continue shuttling; it must be restarted and will only shuttle
for a few seconds (3-4) before stopping .

 

[qwarks]

Sounds like the reel-tables are pushed in.
Did you check that ?

They appear to be in the up position, from what I can determine .
The rubber seats(?) that the NAB hubs lock onto have metal surrounds(?)
showing just below them, so I don't "think the tables are pushed in.

I took the front cover off and am just generally looking inside the machine
with a flashlight, and nothing appears to be disconnected/loose .

I'm not a techie(obviously..) and don't own any meters or scopes, etc.
I also don't have a manual for it unfortunately.

Side thought : Does anyone think that the MX5050 would be close enough
in it's basic function that it's manual would apply to this MX-55 ?

I guess that's a question best posed to the Otari Co.

 

[The Ghost of FM]

I'm tempted to lean toward weak motors which may be clogged with junk inside on the armatures or lean toward the power supply that feeds them and in either case, a trip to the hospital is in order here and especially so because of your lack of DIY skills, it's best to leave this to the professionals and get an estimate.

Let us know what the technician tells you.

Cheers!

 

[Vintage TX]

If you measure from the upper part of the reel-table and down to the faceplate it should be 0.145 inch (3.7 mm).
If not you can adjust the reel-tables with 2 M-4 socket screws that holds the reel motor shaft.
Check the brake-bands on each reel-table (metal-surrounds) they can also be the problem, maybe not relasing properly.
Reel-motors usually don't go bad on these but everything is possible.
If you want a manual I have the complete Operation/Service section, but over 230 pages...

 

[qwarks]

If you measure from the upper part of the reel-table and down to the faceplate it should be 0.145 inch (3.7 mm).
If not you can adjust the reel-tables with 2 M-4 socket screws that holds the reel motor shaft.
Check the brake-bands on each reel-table (metal-surrounds) they can also be the problem, maybe not relasing properly.
Reel-motors usually don't go bad on these but everything is possible.
If you want a manual I have the complete Operation/Service section, but over 230 pages...

Hey Rolf it took me a minute to realize who Vintage Tx is

I really enjoy your website and had no idea that you posted here .

I've recommended you as source of vintage manuals here and elswhere on
the net, and do plan on picking up a couple myself, soon .

I'm going to need one for my misplaced
Tascam 38
Teac 5 mixer(never had one..)
and this Otari MX-55 ..

I'll be in touch with you soon .