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Capstan motors of Teac X7 rotate only manually (very stiff)
Reel to Reel Teac X7 has dual capstan motors. Worked fine several months ago. After lack of use, the capstan motors would not move the tape on playback. After rotating them manually to test for gumminess now they rotate only when substantial torque is manually applied, not by their own power. They rotate together (drive belt still connected, maybe?). I tried a drop of oil, no help. The service manual gives no clue how to take the machine apart or what may be wrong. Is there a book or some source of information which can help? Can the motors be lubricated? Is that the problem? Or do the motors have to be replaced? Are they available? Should I take it to a repair facility?
My problem was not stiffness per se but no drive power getting to the capstans. It turns out my drive belt had lost all elasticity. I assume your drive belt is the same vintage as mine. (Note that my X-7 was always maintained in a climate controlled area.)
I removed the top (big mistake) which enabled me to see the belt and determine the problem source. In the process I have messed up my automatic shutoff controls.
Then I found website www.obsoletemedia.com/tapedecks/x7rbelt/replace belt.htm. This explains how to get into the machine without removing the top and replace the drive belt. It also gives a source for new belts!! Now the recorder works fine except for automatic shutoff. Hooray (almost)
My problem was not stiffness per se but no drive power getting to the capstans. It turns out my drive belt had lost all elasticity. I assume your drive belt is the same vintage as mine. (Note that my X-7 was always maintained in a climate controlled area.)
I removed the top (big mistake) which enabled me to see the belt and determine the problem source. In the process I have messed up my automatic shutoff controls.
Then I found website www.obsoletemedia.com/tapedecks/x7rbelt/replace belt.htm. This explains how to get into the machine without removing the top and replace the drive belt. It also gives a source for new belts!! Now the recorder works fine except for automatic shutoff. Hooray (almost)
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Re: Capstan motors of Teac X7 rotate only manually (very...
Allied electronics still has these small motors. They probably won't have the same part numbers though. You will need the printed information from the motor as well as accurate dimensions for an accurate comparison.
Good Luck.
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The belt is changed by the removal of the entire motor plate and taking the old belt residue or pieces out. Replacing a belt from off E bay has resulted in not fixing the deck correctly- I have seen this many times as clients send me the unit for the real repair. The belts from off E bay are too large and do not grip the flywheels correctly. Marrs Communications is the place to get correct belts. Since these dual capstan units are touchy, the replacement of the belt is NOT the only thing that is needed. They need Lubrication, capstan shaft reconditioning. Reel motor sometimes need rebuilding and a few other things plus calibration. I just repaired one last month that worked well after I was done with it.
You do not mention the brand or model number which to answer the question effectively is needed- different machines are designed in different ways. The function of the fast wind and the play mode only differs in that in play a capstan is involved that regulates the speed and the reel motors just do the take-up of taper and a little back tension for the supply reel. You may have either a sticky Pinch Roller linkage or a non- rotating capstan shaft that might point to a loose or broken capstan drive belt. There are also the condition of the Pinch Roller surface and the surface of the Capstan shaft that can be glazed or rubber hard and non-compliant. The rubber Pinch Roller can be re-rubbered, the capstan shaft can be reconditioned and the Capstan Belt can be replaced. Capstan bearings and motor bearings need oil once a year as well. I hope this helped to some extent- I have been working on decks now for better than 40 years.
Tape wrapping on a capstan shaft is commonly due to a sticky pinch roller or capstan shaft but is also because the take-up reel table does not provide enough torque or tension to gather up the tape. The Teac MTT160 cassette is a test tool we use to determine what the deck is doing torque wise. Telex probably has something similar. I worked with a guy who worked at Telex in the tape business- He did not talk about them much but he did say they had a lot of belts in them. Maybe you are just dealing with a belt that needs to be replaced. Lubrication also tends to be needed at every rotation point as well. That would include reel tables. I hope this gives you some help as Telex repairmen are getting to be like Hens teeth.
Hi Gary, This makes me think the Capstan Shaft is not turning either due to a broken or stretched belt or that the capstan motor itself has stopped working. This may be a job for a Technician. You first determine if the Capstan is turning or not- this is the metal post that contacts the Pinch Roller that rotates and is the way the deck gets it's speed regulation. If it is not turning look inside the deck from the side to see if the flywheel is turning and that the belt is on that flywheel. Lastly make sure the capstan motor is turning. Beyond that a Tech may have to take over from there. I am in the Chicago area and can repair it if you are close. Many people send me units from all over the USA anyway. My name is Sam. I operate Skywave Tape Deck Repair [email protected] if you need my help.
The Capstan motor is just for the play speed regulation so it has nothing to do with the reel motors. You can have an open safety microswitch or maybe a bad relay. It is really hard to say without looking at the unit but I am sure it is repairable. Is the right dummy plug put in the back? This can stop all transport functions if it is out.
I just worked on one of those the other day. The unit needs other maintenance besides the belt- Flywheels need to removed and oiled and capstan shafts inspected and cleaned- I don't know how many ask me how to put in belts and then the unit end up at my shop because there are a lot other factors involved in the service of this deck. The last X7 I worked on needed both motors reconditioned but it worked great after that. Skywave Tape Deck Repair in Chicago if you need the job done right. I have the belts here and Russ is in New Jersey if you are out that way.
That's a rarity but easily fixed. Before pulling anything apart spray some penetrating oil (WD-40) or similar into a small container. Then with a cotton bud soak the tip in the penetrating oil and apply it to the base of the capstan where the bearing is. Allow this to sit for a few hours and even repeat it if it looks to have soaked the oil up. NOW, with the power lead out of the wall socket remove the top cover of the deck. You will have to remove a few knobs and mode switches too. Now see if you can rotate the capstan flywheel by hand. It might take a bit of pressure to get it to turn but once it does keep going until it starts to rotate freely.
By the way, check that the capstan drive belt is in one piece and not slipping first.
If it's running freely then reassemble the cover and other pieces tyhen put a few drops of light oil on the capstan bearing (sewing machine oil is ideal) Do this because penetrating oil will dry out after a while. That should fix it.
I'm assuming you know exactly how to thread the tape through the machine. Don't forget to position the stop lever on the upper side of the tape otherwise nothing will operate. If you are unsure about that write back and I will elaborate.
My problem was not stiffness per se but no drive power getting to the capstans. It turns out my drive belt had lost all elasticity. I assume your drive belt is the same vintage as mine. (Note that my X-7 was always maintained in a climate controlled area.)
I removed the top (big mistake) which enabled me to see the belt and determine the problem source. In the process I have messed up my automatic shutoff controls.
Then I found website www.obsoletemedia.com/tapedecks/x7rbelt/replace belt.htm. This explains how to get into the machine without removing the top and replace the drive belt. It also gives a source for new belts!! Now the recorder works fine except for automatic shutoff. Hooray (almost)
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