Identify blue goop on 'idler wheels' Ampex 1455

[Sam08861]

Hello,

I've recently acquired an Ampex 1455 and it seems to be functioning for the most part. I don't have any reels yet to test out but, I'm giving it a good cleaning (heads, rollers, dust!, etc.) and lubrication.

The player/recorder has one motor, 2 capstans and auto reverse with 4 heads (labeled play fwd, play rev, record, erase)

Sooo to get to the point, here's the problem.

The left wheel/hub behind the supply reel spindle was ticking loudly when playing in reverse. Taking the mechanism apart and giving it a good cleaning took care of that.

What seems to be causing all the problems is this bright blue tarry substance. Removes with lots of elbow grease and gobs of isopropyl. A small bit seems to saturate a full hand towel, lol.

It's on the red wheels that engage the wheels that are on the same spindle as the reel hubs. Not sure if these are idler wheels or not, but not sure what to call them.

Some photos..



same shot not spinning...


Anyone know what this is? Is this a rubberlike gasket that has deteriorated? That stuff gets on the white wheel and acts like speedbumps, causing the whole mechanism to click or vibrate.

Cleaning the white wheel makes things smoother, but I think I need to get to the blue gunk on the red wheel. Stuff is stickier than just about anything and doesn't dry up at all.

If this is a part that's deteriorated, I'd like to replace it. If its something else that perhaps the previous owner tried to make the wheels sticky, I'll just get rid of it.

Haven't been able to locate any info on the web so hoping someone here know.

Any help appreciated greatly!

Thanks,

Sam

 

[Sam08861]

Closer shots...



Decided to try and peel it off... I'm guessing deteriorated rubber ring... off to home depot.


Cleaned up... Now my shirt has blue streaks all over it.. lol, this stuff is satan smurf's poo.

 

[darg]

Can only vote for one part but I think it might be a combination of dried out or deteriorated part due to wrong lubricant.
In your pics the part on the left seem to be still a rubber ring that is in the right completely worn and dissolved.

 

[Sam08861]

Thanks darg, I think you're right. I did spray some contact cleaner when cleaning up the insides and it may be possible that caused this to melt. Just looked too clean without dust to have been soo sticky for so long.

As an update. HD was closed so I made some by supergluing some tubing into a loop. Can't believe it actually worked. Am even able to stretch them about 2x without breaking! (will take some photos tomorrow for giggles) This may be OK for long belts.

Unfortunately, the bit that's glued acts like a little speed bump. Waaay better than before, but will have to get a proper o-ring tomorrow as I want perfectly quiet/smooth.

 

[Sam08861]

As an update, number 83 rings from homey depot fit the bill... smooth, smooth, smooth! Can only hear the sound of the motor fan and bit of the mechanicals!

Photo below shows the package from Danco.. #83 o-rings. Got 10 rings for under $3. A lifetime supply!

By the way, the top two rings are the superglued items. I stretched one over a large socket just to show how much stretch tension they can take!

While not so good in this application as the outside surface needs to be perfectly smoot, this may be a trick to use for a quick fix for something simple like a spray canister needing a gasket, or a faucet temporarily.

By the way, these rings are in the plumbing section. I think llowes has them too.



End result is that I have a mechanically sound tape deck... Now need to get some media to see if the rest of it's working.