Rust Never Sleeps Inside Tascam 388

[ehplus]

Hello all,

I thought I would join this forum today to seek knowledge and advice from the 388 veterans.


A few years back my 388 captan belt was evidently loosened too far and fell off the rollers. This led me to leave the unit in storage... today, having popped the back panel off of this great machine I found what is a grim scene.

As shown in the photos, there appears to be a rust that blossomed on the metal casing, spreading to the nearest IC's (I am unable to comment on their task) and littering the area with rust dust. I am hoping this rust won't be a problem, but would like to ask for any advice from the forum regarding any possible concerns given the infestation has attached to circuit components.

Many thanks.




Pictures are located on this url:

photobucket[dot]com[slash]user/ehplus/library/?sort=3&page=1

 

[j.harv]

Wow looks scary!
When I first saw the pics I thought it looked like a bunch of capacitors exploded and left all kinds of
gunk behind.
I would get a can of compressed air and thoroughly blow all that dust away. Espacially around the pins of the IC's.

 

[mdainsd]

Yeah. Then find yourself some acid brushes (they have a tubular steel body about 1/4" in diameter with stiff black nylon bristles). Cut the bristles at about a 45 degree angle, shortening them. Dip the brush in Isopropyl alcohol and gently scrup the affected area. Then blow off with air. You might be surprise how well it cleans up.

 

[ehplus]

Thank you for the tips... today I am off to purchase some acid brushes and will be sure to share photos after cleaning.

I would be very thankful if there is someone on the forum who could comment on the condition of this 388's tape heads:

photobucket[dot]com[slash]user/ehplus/library/Tascam%20388%20Heads?sort=3&page=1

 

[mdainsd]

Its so hard to tell on photos. There appears to be some wear. It shows on the tape guides. Ive seen far more wear so you have no immediate need to relap of replace heads IMHO