Teac 80-8 odd playback / solenoid problems (PLEASE HELP!)

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seanstarling

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Greatings!

I recently had some problems with the brakes getting stuck. I replaced the brake (just the belt and not the assembly) It didn't do much good. I think the real problem there is the Solenoid's reaction time (Any help there would also be appreciated. Now problem is that my tape won't move at all when I press play, ff, rw ect. The strange thing is that when there's no tape loaded, I pull the tension arm up, press play/ff/or rw everything fuctions properly. I'm completely stumped. If anyone has any ideas as to what may be the problem here please share!!

-Sean

tape machine.webp

R.I.P. ?
:(
 
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Good News! with the reels off, the brakes are working properly. The only (Major) problem now is that the Capstan isn't budging at all! Could somebody please give me a list of things to try in order to get the capstan working again. Preferably dummed down a little bit.
 
Woops I messed up the terminology again. *My pinch roller isn't engaging
 
I am having the exact same problem with my 80-8. Check out what tips everybody has given me so far. It may help. Look in the thread named "Teac 80-8 total solenoid failure".
Good Luck.
 
Oh damn! That's very convenient for a very inconvenient situation. I'll keep up on your thread. Let's get this situation worked out!
 
It's 1/2 inch Ampex 456 tape. I've used it without problems for years. It's no longer being made. That's what a know.
 
seanstarling said:
It's 1/2 inch Ampex 456 tape. I've used it without problems for years. It's no longer being made. That's what a know.
Click to expand...

Yeah... there is a reason it's not longer being made. Ampex 456 has a problem where it breaks down into goo, which can jam the machine and cause all kinds of interesting malfunctions. If you need to recover a treasured recording, there are ways to heat the tape using a food dehydrator which will temporarily make it playable.
If you're using it for new recordings, I would honestly recommend you throw it out and just keep the metal spool since prolonged use may cook the deck's motors.

Ampex 456 made until 1995 is susceptible to this issue. Ampex made in 1995 and later, and all Quantegy-branded 456 should all be okay. I'd recommend getting some RMG SM911 tape, which is bias-compatible with 456 but without the sticky-shed problem.
 
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