Sears Reel to Reel Capstan Issue? (Video Included)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Esemjayes
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Esemjayes

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Hey guys. I'm new to the reel to reel world, and I just bought a Sears tape machine which seems to have a playback issue. I took a video and will include the link to the machine on play.

Does the Capstan need to be replaced? Or some kind of lubrication thing? If you can see from the video, the Capstan is jumpy and not fluid in its movement. Any ideas if I can fix this on my own or I need to take it to someone to fix it?

Thanks a lot.

 
Is it all driven from that main visible belt?

If so, it looks hellish loose to me.
 
I'd hazard a guess that it's age related. The drive belt is definitely had it, but I suspect the rubber on the idler wheel has also gone hard and shiny and that makes driving the flywheel hit and miss. No idea if you can get spares for these, as we've never had Sears brand in the UK.
 
Yes you definitely need to replace the belt without a doubt. If playback is still not consistent, the pinch roller and idler tire would be next on the list for sure.
 
famous beagle said:
Yes you definitely need to replace the belt without a doubt. If playback is still not consistent, the pinch roller and idler tire would be next on the list for sure.
Click to expand...

This. ^^
From the video the belt is a cert.
You may find other issues but replace the first belt and see what's what.
 
rob aylestone said:
I'd hazard a guess that it's age related. The drive belt is definitely had it, but I suspect the rubber on the idler wheel has also gone hard and shiny and that makes driving the flywheel hit and miss. No idea if you can get spares for these, as we've never had Sears brand in the UK.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. Also, in the picture I'm including, sometimes when this metal part spins, the rubber belt doesn't catch hold and doesn't spin with it.

I'm trying to get a replacement belts but unsure how to purchase them. Do you measure them?

Thanks again for the info.

IMG_4564.webp
 
If nothing turns up in a search for the model name/number and "belt," then you'll most likely have to try to find a suitable replacement. To do that, yes I would think you need to measure it and look for something similar.

Edit: Remember also that, when you measure it, you don't want something that exact size (because it's obviously stretched out). If anything, you'd want to estimate on the smaller size since you can always usually stretch them a bit. If it's too big, though, you're SOL.

A quick google search though turned up a whole bunch. I don't know your model, though.
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=sears+reel+to+reel+belt
 
famous beagle said:
If nothing turns up in a search for the model name/number and "belt," then you'll most likely have to try to find a suitable replacement. To do that, yes I would think you need to measure it and look for something similar.

Edit: Remember also that, when you measure it, you don't want something that exact size (because it's obviously stretched out). If anything, you'd want to estimate on the smaller size since you can always usually stretch them a bit. If it's too big, though, you're SOL.

A quick google search though turned up a whole bunch. I don't know your model, though.
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=sears+reel+to+reel+belt
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot for the info. I can't find much info on my reel to reel. It's Sears 564.34401700. The results in the Google search you provided look very close to the belts in my machine.
 
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