Tascam 80-8 with frozen take-up reel. Help!

[Thermonicist]

Hello all,

Well, after decades of uncomplaining service, my faithful 80-8 has a problem: the take-up reel is frozen. It almost feels as if the brakes aren't releasing the motor/turntable, but I'm not sure about that. Any ideas where I should begin? Thank you for your assistance!

 

[The Ghost of FM]

The brake solenoid might be seized and possibly heat related due to the current hot weather.

You might need to open up the front brushed aluminum top cover to get to it to see if the brake is engaged and try manually pulling or pushing the solenoid back to release it. If there's a gunky buildup on the solenoid's piston, that might need a clean up to allow it to move more freely.

Cheers!

 

[Blue Jinn]

Do you have the service manual? If not get one from Teac parts in Montebello. You can search the forum for the phone number, you'll get a better response calling than emailing.

Check out this thread, I don't know if the 80-8 operates the same way but I had the same problem with an Otari, it was a power supply issue:

https://homerecording.com/bbs/general-discussions/analog-only/otari-smoking-literally-279046/

 

[technoplayer]

There is a free 80-8 manula download here:

Free TASCAM Semi-Pro Tape recorder Schematics and Manuals - from AnalogRules.com and AudioSchematics.com