Tascam 32 tension arms

[Ignatius-]

What is the best way to lube up the tension arms on this machine? Everything is working perfectly except that the tension arms don't drop when it reaches the end of a tape. And when there is no tape they don't move around freely like they should... they stick. I am assuming that this is a lubrication problem - correct me if I am wrong.

Is this an easy fix? I remember reading where someone said to use Tri-Flow lubricant... Would that work? Sorry, I am pretty new to the self-repair aspect of analog recording, but I have the manual...

 

[sweetbeats]

You need to get the faceplate off the front of the machine and then there should be one screw each that hold the arms to the machine. The pivot on a small post and my hunch is that the lube has gummed up. I bet it will be pretty obvious once you get the faceplate off. There will be springs to remove so just be prepared for small parts and gentle care.

You can use tri-flow or any light machine oil. This is not a rotating part like a roller so the lube is less critical. Teac may have even put grease in there which would explain why it is gummed up if that be the case.

Cotton swabs and iso alcohol to clean up the old stuff.

 

[Ignatius-]

Wow, thanks. I will see what I can do when I find time... probably this weekend. I'll keep you updated.

 

[ScotchTape1]

Tension arm ropes

Hello everyone. I am also in the process of restoring a 1987 TEAC-branded (33-2) TASCAM 32. It is all done except for the tension arm functionality - they don't drop properly it seems.

As you can see in my photos below, I reinstalled the ropes to their respective pivot plates by gluing each of their small brass bell-like clip to the underneath of each pivot plate. I did not shorten the original ropes, and the brass bell clips were not moved from their original factory locations on the ropes. I have rewound the rope around the larger aluminum wheel in the deck, and lubed all metal joints with silicone grease.

Alas, the tension arms require quite a bit of pressure to make the rope slide around that aluminum wheel and make the pivot plate drop..... Without this feature, the motors don't stop when the tape runs out. The arms have no problem moving up however, but that does not involve the ropes/pivot plates at all. Perhaps too much rope tension?

Anyone know what may be hindering this? I think it should move quite easily up and down, as per the popular Velvet Dream video "Tascam 32 Tension Arm Behavior" on YouTube. I think they removed the instructions on their website on how to fix this issue, as I cannot i find it anywhere.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!