stragulus
New Member
Hello Rich, would you mind updating the Left Tension Roller Rebuild post by adding to step 3 or 4 that the alternate configuration (spring + washers instead of ball holder) exists? Might save someone a lot of confusion, wondering if someone was in there before and replaced parts.
I will say, I have 2 machines, one with the upper ball holders, and one with the spring+washers. I noticed that with the ball holders, after a full rebuild, the rollers wouldn't snap back in place well if you don't move it all the way to the locking position first. E.g. when rewinding and the tape runs out, the rollers only move about 30 degrees to the side with the micro-switch. After some tinkering, it appeared that the upper ball holder assembly was to blame for this; all other inspections match your description perfectly (thanks again for that, it was very helpful!).
I played around with the ball holder assembly. Adding a little less or more lithium grease. It had a little influence, but it was still not always good enough for the rollers to snap back to the home position and engage the micro-switch. I'm not sure why to be honest. The guide offers no resistance at this part. I suspect the return spring might have been stretched during disassembly, mostly the 'ears' by which you attach them to the posts. Anyways, after replacing the ball holders with the spring + washers, it works great.
On a related note, where would one order new springs? Do you all have a large collection of various types of springs, and pick ones that match the old one closest? Look up the specs and specifically buy exact replacements?
I will say, I have 2 machines, one with the upper ball holders, and one with the spring+washers. I noticed that with the ball holders, after a full rebuild, the rollers wouldn't snap back in place well if you don't move it all the way to the locking position first. E.g. when rewinding and the tape runs out, the rollers only move about 30 degrees to the side with the micro-switch. After some tinkering, it appeared that the upper ball holder assembly was to blame for this; all other inspections match your description perfectly (thanks again for that, it was very helpful!).
I played around with the ball holder assembly. Adding a little less or more lithium grease. It had a little influence, but it was still not always good enough for the rollers to snap back to the home position and engage the micro-switch. I'm not sure why to be honest. The guide offers no resistance at this part. I suspect the return spring might have been stretched during disassembly, mostly the 'ears' by which you attach them to the posts. Anyways, after replacing the ball holders with the spring + washers, it works great.
On a related note, where would one order new springs? Do you all have a large collection of various types of springs, and pick ones that match the old one closest? Look up the specs and specifically buy exact replacements?