Tascam 424 MKI unreliable transport controls

[elmagicobeats]

Hi,

I recently purchased this unit that has a transport controls issue - it randomly stops when playing back, rewinding or fast-forwarding. I'm waiting for the new belts to replace the old ones, but in the meantime, I wanted to ask if it can be related to any other electronic or mechanical problem.

This video illustrates the problem:

 

[-mjk-]

When that happened to me, I would take the cassette out and hold it vertically with the tape straight down and tap it on a table several times. That would loosen the pack and (I'm not joking) stop the take deck from thinking it had reached the end of the tape due to excessive tension.

 

[elmagicobeats]

Thanks for the cool tip! It seems that just by opening and cleaning the unit I got solved the problem. Used isopropyl alcohol to clean the tape heads, capstan shaft, cam gear, etc. I put some lubrication onto the moving parts as well.